The Detained lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has refuted claims that he sent no one, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, to plead with elder statesman Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, who has taken him to court over allegations of defamation.
Farotimi is currently on trial in Ekiti State, following a petition by Babalola linked to statements in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
Recently, Peter Obi visited Afe Babalola, sparking speculation that the visit was to mediate on Farotimi’s behalf. However, during a recent prison visit, Farotimi dismissed the claims.
Speaking on the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, Farotimi’s lawyer, Tope Temokun, clarified the situation. Temokun shared details of his Friday discussion with Farotimi at a correctional facility in Ado-Ekiti.
“The recent visit by Mr. Peter Obi to Aare Afe Babalola and his subsequent visit to Mr. Dele Farotimi has caused some confusion. People are unclear about the conditions for his release or any possible apology. I visited him to seek clarity,” Temokun said.
According to Temokun, Farotimi firmly denied requesting anyone to intervene on his behalf. “He told me categorically that anyone familiar with his principles and philosophy should know he would never send anyone to beg on his behalf. He expressed disappointment that such claims were being circulated,” Temokun added.
Farotimi reiterated his stance, emphasizing that he stands by his beliefs and actions, stating that any suggestion otherwise was against his principles.