King’s College London is under mounting pressure to end its association with prominent Nigerian lawyer and philanthropist Afe Babalola following the controversial arrest of rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.
Babalola, a major donor to the prestigious UK institution, is accused of influencing the arrest of Farotimi for alleged defamation.
The incident has sparked outrage, with rights groups calling for justice and freedom of expression to be upheld.
In a petition dated December 17, 2024, Mothers United and Mobilised (MUM), an advocacy group representing Nigerian women, urged King’s College London to denounce Babalola’s actions. The petition, signed by MUM convener Boluwaji Onabolu, demanded the university issue a statement condemning the suppression of dissent and return the €10 million donation made by Babalola in 2023.
Farotimi was detained by Ekiti State police, reportedly at Babalola’s behest, after publishing a book critical of the 95-year-old lawyer. The book accused Babalola of using financial power to influence legal outcomes, a claim that allegedly led to the arrest.
Farotimi was held for over two weeks despite being granted bail under what his supporters describe as harsh and punitive conditions.
MUM’s petition highlighted concerns over the fairness of the legal process in Ekiti, a state where Babalola wields considerable influence. “This is a civil matter that should have been handled through proper legal channels in Lagos, where the alleged defamation occurred. Instead, it has been escalated to an arrest orchestrated by Chief Babalola using state police,” the petition read.
The group criticized King’s College London for its continued association with Babalola, arguing that such ties undermine the university’s commitment to human rights and justice.
“King’s College London must take a clear stand. Aligning with an individual linked to the suppression of freedom of expression contradicts the institution’s values,” MUM said.
The advocacy group urged the university to publicly support Farotimi’s right to a fair trial and demand his release.
“King’s College London must choose the right side of history by standing with those who fight for justice and human rights. Silence is not an option,” the statement concluded.
The university has not yet responded to the growing calls for action.