I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki. This morning, I woke up feeling funny. I didn’t sleep on time because I attended a program with the Government College Old Boys Association (1991 set). The program extended well beyond my usual hours, and I had to readjust my routine. This experience brings me to the ongoing case involving Dele Farotimi and our respected father, Baba Afe Babalola.
An Appeal to Baba’s Children
At Baba’s age, he is old enough to be my father. If he is 92 or 95 years old, subtracting my age shows that he could have had a child when I was born if he married early. I want to speak to his children directly: please, talk to your father. Many families have reconciled with their elders by simply sitting them down, hearing their side, and advising them wisely. Baba’s children can do the same. The truth is that every other person watching this case unfold is merely a beneficiary of Baba’s great legacy.
The Consequences of Litigation
These radical lawyers filing cases left, right, and center across the country—from Sokoto to Zamar and Kafanchan—are not helping matters. Let me ask a simple question: if Dele Farotimi wanted to stress Baba further, he could summon him to court as a witness in each of these locations. Even if Baba flies by private jet, traveling is stressful. Imagine Baba standing in a witness box, being cross-examined by one of these radical lawyers. The stress, pressure, and possible humiliation are not worth it.
More Worms Are Eager to Come Out
There are so many hidden issues waiting to surface. Like the Wikileaks cases, unresolved matters are coming to light:
The airport sale to Brazilians.
The alleged case involving a lecturer and his wife over child custody, where Baba reportedly sent police to bring the wife and children to his office. Allegedly.
Several people, including lawyers, are willing to testify in court. Let me remind us of the Roger Bannister Case in 1954, where he broke the 4-minute mile. Within 46 days, others broke the same record. Once the masquerade dressed in raffia lights a cigarette and the spirit is revealed to be human, the mindset of the people changes. Baba has a larger-than-life image, but this situation threatens to damage his reputation.
Baba Is Also in a Prison
As the saying goes, “those who keep prisoners stay in the prison yard with them.” If Dele Farotimi ends up in jail, Baba is equally imprisoned. His freedom to speak, act, or go anywhere will be scrutinized and misinterpreted. At his age, Baba deserves to enjoy peace and the respect he has earned.
A Simple Counsel
Baba’s children, sit down with him. Get his viewpoint, write a book about him, and address these allegations. Publish the book quickly, launch it with dignity, and preserve his legacy. Don’t allow these lawyers to drag Baba into the gutter. Even if they succeed in “drowning” Dele Farotimi, the stench of that battle will still stain Baba’s image and linger for generations.
Remember this: “My hands are tied,” a single statement from Awolowo’s trial decades ago, has remained unforgettable. Please, advise Baba in a way he will understand. My son often advises me, telling me not to engage with those who make dirty comments online. Instead, he encourages me to focus on creating meaningful content and proving critics wrong through my work. Sometimes, I listen; sometimes, I fight dirty—but I have little to lose compared to Baba.
Final Words
Baba’s children, please step in and calm your father down. There are very few men like him left in this country. Let him not descend to a level that will do more harm than good.
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I remain your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki.
