The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, has appointed lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, as its new National Organising Secretary. His appointment was approved at a general meeting held at the residence of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, on Tuesday.
Farotimi, a human rights lawyer known for his outspoken advocacy, recently faced legal challenges when he was sued by Aare Afe Babalola over alleged defamation in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. Farotimi was arraigned before an Ekiti State High Court in Ado-Ekiti and was granted bail set at N30 million.
However, within 24 hours of Afe Babalola agreeing to withdraw the defamation lawsuit, Farotimi’s appointment to the prominent position within Afenifere was confirmed.
The announcement was made in a communique issued following the meeting, signed by the Deputy Leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and the National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye. The statement confirmed that the General Meeting had considered and approved Farotimi’s appointment.
The meeting, which was chaired by Oba Olaitan, was attended by delegates from the six South West states as well as Kogi and Kwara states. Notable figures in attendance included former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Senator Kofoworola Akerele; Secretary-General, Chief Sola Ebiseni; Chief Akin Osuntokun; Professor Akin Onigbinde; Elder Tola Mobolurin; Dr. Gbola Adetuji; and Olorogun Pop Ayo-Banjo.
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