Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has categorically distanced himself from any attempts to plead for his release in the defamation case tied to his controversial book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. Speaking from the Afao Road Correctional Facility in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, December 13, Farotimi declared that he never authorized anyone, including Labour Party stalwart Peter Obi, to mediate with legal luminary, Afe Babalola, SAN, on his behalf.
Farotimi’s remarks came after reports surfaced of Peter Obi meeting with Babalola in Ekiti to appeal for clemency. Addressing the matter during a visit by fellow human rights lawyer, Tope Temokun, Farotimi clarified his stance, emphasizing that he would rather the legal process run its natural course.
“He was very clear: no one, including Peter Obi, should visit anyone on his behalf or attempt to mediate his release,” Temokun stated. "Farotimi believes in the truth of his book and remains steadfast in his position. He insists that justice must prevail naturally without interference."
Temokun criticized the timing of multiple lawsuits being filed against Farotimi across Ibadan, Abuja, and Rivers, all while he remains in detention and unable to fully defend himself. "Why did it take so long to file these cases? Why wait until he was in custody to raise these issues?" Temokun questioned, adding, "It is ironic and unjust to serve legal processes to a man silenced and confined."
Farotimi himself remains defiant, maintaining that the claims in his book are true. “If there’s any falsehood in my writing, let the court prove it. But if my weapon is the truth, I will have the last laugh,” he reportedly said during the visit.
Temokun described the legal battle as a troubling sign of how powerful interests manipulate the justice system to silence dissent. He called on Nigerians to demand fair play and transparency in the unfolding drama.
As Farotimi’s words echo beyond the prison walls, the activist’s resolve highlights his unwavering commitment to the truth, even in the face of persecution.
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