Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has denied sending anyone to appeal to Afe Babalola (SAN) amid his ongoing defamation trial in Ekiti State. The legal dispute stems from claims in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, which prompted Babalola to file the suit.
Recently, Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate and a close ally of Farotimi, visited Afe Babalola, sparking speculation that the visit was an attempt to mediate on Farotimi’s behalf.
However, speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, Farotimi’s lawyer, Temokun, clarified the situation following a prison visit on Friday, December 13. Temokun stated that Farotimi firmly denied instructing Peter Obi—or anyone else—to seek an out-of-court settlement or appeal to Babalola.
“I visited Mr. Dele Farotimi at the correctional facility in Ado-Ekiti yesterday. With recent events, including Peter Obi’s visit to Aare Afe Babalola and to Mr. Farotimi himself, there has been confusion about what transpired.
After Obi’s visit, rumours spread about conditions for Farotimi’s release, potential apologies, and settlements. I asked Mr. Farotimi directly about the visits and what message he wanted conveyed.
He responded unequivocally, saying: ‘Anyone who knows my principles, my history, and my stance should never believe that I sent anyone to beg for me. If anyone, even you, Tope, believes I could stoop to such, I would be deeply disappointed.’”
Temokun added that Farotimi remains resolute, relying solely on the truth as his weapon in the ongoing legal battle.
