By: Bayero Ade
King’s College London is facing increasing international pressure to sever its ties with renowned Nigerian lawyer and philanthropist Afe Babalola following the controversial arrest of rights activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi.
Babalola, a significant donor to the UK institution, has been accused of leveraging his influence to orchestrate Farotimi’s arrest on allegations of defamation. Advocacy group Mothers United and Mobilised (MUM), representing Nigerian women and mothers, has called on King’s College to distance itself from Babalola.
In a petition dated December 17, 2024, MUM, led by convener Boluwaji Onabolu, urged the university to publicly condemn the suppression of dissent and return Babalola’s €10 million donation made in 2023. The group accused Babalola of using his position to stifle free speech and manipulate legal processes.
Farotimi was detained by Ekiti State police, allegedly at Babalola’s behest, after publishing critical remarks about the 95-year-old lawyer in his book. The book accused Babalola of relying on financial leverage rather than legal expertise to win cases. Farotimi was held for over two weeks despite being granted bail under restrictive and punitive conditions.
MUM argued that Farotimi’s arrest should have been addressed as a civil matter in Lagos, where the alleged defamation occurred, rather than through criminal proceedings in Ekiti State, where Babalola wields significant influence.
“The escalation of this civil issue to an arrest orchestrated by Chief Babalola through his home state’s police undermines the principles of justice and freedom of expression,” the petition stated.
The group also emphasized that King’s College London, a respected global institution, should not align itself with actions that erode human rights and legal fairness.
MUM called on the university to publicly support Farotimi’s right to a fair trial and demand his immediate release.
“King’s College London must take a stand for justice, human rights, and free expression—values it claims to uphold,” the group said. “Remaining silent would tarnish its reputation and contradict the principles it represents.”
The university has yet to respond to the growing calls for action.
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