In the leadership of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, Afenifere, has appointed lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi as its National Organising Secretary.

The decision was made during the group’s general meeting held at the residence of its leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, on Tuesday.

Dele Farotimi, born on April 27, 1968, is a Nigerian lawyer, author, and political activist renowned for his outspoken advocacy for justice, good governance, and systemic reforms in Nigeria.

He earned his law degree from Lagos State University, where he served as President of the Student Union in 1994/1995, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1999.

Farotimi practiced law actively until his retirement in 2018 at the age of 50. He has authored several books, including “Do Not Die in Their War” and “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,” which critically examine Nigeria’s political structure and societal challenges.

His appointment comes on the heels of a legal dispute with a reputable lawyer Afe Babalola. Farotimi was sued for alleged defamation in his book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,” leading to his arrest and subsequent arraignment before an Ekiti State High Court in Ado-Ekiti.

The court granted him bail set at ₦30 million. Notably, his book became a bestseller on Amazon amid the controversy.

In attendance at the meeting, presided over by Deputy Leader Oba Oladipo Olaitan, were delegates from the six South-West states, as well as Kogi and Kwara states.

Prominent figures such as 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 were present.

A communique issued after the meeting, jointly signed by Oba Oladipo Olaitan and National Publicity Secretary Justice Faloye stated, “The General Meeting considered and approved the appointment of Barrister Dele Farotimi as the National Organising Secretary of Afenifere.”