Dele Farotimi Denies Asking Anyone to Plead with Afe Babalola Over Defamation Case

Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has firmly stated that he did not ask anyone to intervene on his behalf with Afe Babalola (SAN), who took him to court for defamation. Farotimi is currently facing trial in Ekiti State following a petition by Babalola regarding his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

It was recently reported that Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, visited Afe Babalola, with sources suggesting the visit was to make a plea on Farotimi’s behalf. However, Temokun, Farotimi’s lawyer, clarified on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande that Farotimi did not request any mediation.

During a prison visit to Farotimi in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, Temokun shared that Farotimi denied sending Peter Obi or anyone else to negotiate a settlement with Afe Babalola. Temokun explained, “I asked him directly about the situation and the visit of Peter Obi. He categorically stated that if anyone believes he would ask someone to beg for him, he would be deeply disappointed.”

Farotimi emphasized that his actions and principles, particularly regarding his published work, would never involve pleading or asking for an out-of-court resolution. Despite his legal challenges, Farotimi remains resolute and continues to view the truth as his only weapon in this struggle.