I read a brilliant piece by the Duke of Shomolu on the Farotimi saga. It was both humorous and sad. But it got me thinking about the Afe Babalola I interviewed many years ago.
I had a lion’s den interview with High Chief Afe Babalola in his Ibadan law office around 2008 or 2009.
I was unhappy at how journalists asked patronising questions with VIP guests so I started a no-nonsense radio program I titled the Lion’s Den on Gateway Radio 90.5fm where I was the lion and my guest was in my den so to speak.
It was a no sucking up, straight to the point, serious interview. I found Afe Babalola as one of those whose journey had been that of great toil, extremely humble beginnings. Self-educated at home, correspondence was his mode of acquiring his first school leaving certificate.
He studied law, loves law practice, lives law and has contributed greatly to the building of most of the statutes and structures that exist in Nigeria. I covered everything in the interview – his first day in court, his many legal crossfires with giants like him in the days when the judiciary was held in fearful awe, his friendship with Obasanjo, how they tolerate each other, his idea of philanthropy, his marriage, his parents, how come his name is Afe that looks like a short form, nothing added, the meaning, the direction of the legal profession and so on.
Whatever I thought to ask, he happily answered. He enjoyed the interview, and so did I. He was pleased with me and how the interview was non patronising and condoned what some people could have termed excesses. So, I would always tell anyone who cares to listen that Baba Afe Babalola is not a difficult person, but not when his integrity is being questioned.
On this issue regarding Dele Farotimi’s book, we must never assume that we are holier than thou to the extent of making statements that will be difficult to substantiate, especially for a lawyer, put it into a book so it becomes immortal then run all over podcasts to speak it into life.
It is even more delicate when one had acquired a notoriety of champion of the mob of unfeeling and rude people, who desire to create a messiah of a fellow in an unjustified and undeserved manner only to defame those who deserve honour and reverence.
I would expect the judicial council to set up a panel to investigate the allegations made and do itself the dignity of affirming or putting it firmly on record that nothing of such has happened. I expect that the preservation of institutions must weigh heavier in our minds than either hero worship or tolerance of unacceptable rudeness.
Otunba Segun Showunmi.
