Afe Babalola’s Wrath: How One Man’s Power Is Destroying Nigeria’s Democracy—The Fight Begins December 10, by John Egbeazien Oshodi

Afe Babalola, at 95 years old, is a man whose legacy could have been one of dignity, wisdom, and empathy—a revered legal icon standing as a pillar of justice. Instead, he now stands accused of turning his immense influence into a weapon of destruction. His alleged personal grudge against Dele Farotimi, a Yoruba lawyer and human rights advocate, has spiraled into a calculated campaign of persecution.

Farotimi, a fellow Yoruba man, is being subjected to torment for daring to publish a book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, that exposed the systemic corruption in the nation’s institutions. In Yoruba culture, empathy and forgiveness—even for perceived mistakes—are values held dear, especially when shared heritage and kinship are at play. Yet, at 95 years old, Babalola appears to have abandoned these principles, choosing instead to allow a fellow Yoruba son to waste away in an Ekiti prison under inhumane conditions.

A System Manipulated by Wrath, Not Justice

Farotimi’s plight began when Ekiti police, allegedly acting under Babalola’s influence, stormed Lagos in an unlawful raid. They abducted him with force and violence, dragging him to Ekiti—a place where Babalola’s authority is undeniable. In Ekiti, the courts denied Farotimi his basic right to bail, ignoring both the facts of the case and the reality that defamation is no longer a criminal offense in Lagos, where the book was written and published.

Now, Ekiti prison has become Farotimi’s tormentor. Reports reveal that he is being systematically denied food, medication, and basic human necessities. These actions are not accidents—they are calculated efforts to weaken and destroy him. How can a man of Babalola’s age, stature, and cultural grounding preside over such cruelty, especially against one of his own people?

Where Is the Yoruba Empathy?

In Yoruba tradition, there is a deeply ingrained sense of solidarity and compassion, especially toward one’s own kin. Mistakes, no matter how grave, are often met with forgiveness and efforts to uplift rather than destroy. Yet, Babalola’s alleged role in Farotimi’s suffering contradicts these values.

At 95, a time when legacy and wisdom should guide one’s actions, Babalola’s decisions have not only caused Farotimi’s physical and emotional deterioration but have also raised questions about the integrity of his moral compass. How does one reconcile such relentless wrath with the values of a culture that holds empathy as a cornerstone?

A Threat to Democracy and Humanity

Babalola’s alleged weaponization of the police, judiciary, and prison system is not just a personal vendetta—it is a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. The institutions meant to protect citizens have been turned into tools of oppression, subjugating a man who dared to speak truth to power. If this can happen to Dele Farotimi, a lawyer with a platform and a voice, what hope is there for the ordinary Nigerian?

This is not just about justice—it is about humanity. Farotimi’s suffering reflects the dangerous intersection of unchecked power and a compromised system. It is a warning to all Nigerians that when power goes unchallenged, it destroys not only individuals but the very fabric of society.

December 10: A Time to Stand for Justice

December 10 is more than a court date; it is a moment for Nigerians to reclaim their nation’s dignity. As Farotimi returns to court, Nigerians must rise—not with violence, but with peaceful defiance. Let the streets of Lagos, Abuja, Ekiti, and beyond echo with calls for accountability and justice.

Reject the tired narrative of “hoodlum infiltration.” Let the world see a Nigeria that will not bow to tyranny. Let Yoruba culture’s true values of compassion and solidarity guide our actions as we demand justice for one of our own.

A Message to the World

The international community must not turn a blind eye to Farotimi’s suffering. Human rights organizations, global media, and foreign governments must stand with Nigerians in demanding accountability and reform. This is a fight for more than one man—it is a fight for the soul of Nigeria.

Oh Nigerians, Where Is Our Humanity?

Dele Farotimi’s plight is a stain on our collective conscience. A man who stood for justice and truth is now wasting away in a prison that denies him food, medication, and dignity. At 95, Babalola should be a symbol of wisdom and unity, not of wrath and destruction.

Oh Nigerians, oh Yoruba people, this is your moment to act. On December 10, let us rise peacefully but powerfully. Let us demand justice for Dele Farotimi and an end to the misuse of power. Let us show that we will not allow a fellow son of Nigeria to be destroyed by a system that has lost its way.

Farotimi’s life and legacy are in our hands. His fight is our fight. The time to act is now. December 10 is the day we reclaim our humanity, our democracy, and our nation’s integrity. Let us not fail.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic/clinical psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at ISCOM University,  Weldios University and Walden University.