Why I Will Never Beg Afe Babalola – Farotimi

 

Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has categorically dismissed claims that he sought an out-of-court settlement or asked anyone to plead with Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), who filed a defamation suit against him.

Farotimi, who is currently facing trial in Ekiti State over allegations stemming from his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, made his position clear through his lawyer, Tope Temokun, during a Sunday interview on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande.

The case, which has drawn national attention, took another turn following a recent visit by the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to Aare Afe Babalola in Ado-Ekiti. Speculations suggested that Obi’s visit was to intercede on behalf of Farotimi.

However, Temokun, after visiting Farotimi at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre on Friday, debunked the claims. According to him, Farotimi unequivocally denied requesting Obi or anyone else to approach Afe Babalola for any form of reconciliation.

Temokun recounted the discussion he had with Farotimi during the visit: “The events of recent days—Peter Obi’s visit to Aare Afe Babalola and the subsequent rumours surrounding a possible apology or conditions for release—necessitated my visit. I asked him directly: ‘What is your stance on these matters? What message do you have for Aare Afe Babalola, the public, and even your legal team?’”

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Farotimi’s response was emphatic. “He told me that anyone familiar with his principles and philosophy would know he would never send anyone to beg on his behalf. He expressed deep disappointment at the very notion that he could seek such a compromise,” Temokun said.

The lawyer further quoted Farotimi as saying: “If anybody, including you, Tope, believes I could beg anyone or send someone to plead for me, I will be gravely disappointed in them. I have stood by my words and will continue to do so.”

Farotimi, who remains in custody, is said to be in high spirits, holding steadfast to his belief that truth remains his ultimate weapon in the ongoing legal battle.

The case originated from a petition filed by Afe Babalola over certain assertions in Farotimi’s book, which critiques the Nigerian criminal justice system. The trial has since sparked widespread debate over the boundaries of free expression and accountability in public discourse.