Dele Farotimi Denies Sending Peter Obi to Plead with Afe Babalola

Tope Temokun, the attorney representing human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, has dismissed claims that his client sent Peter Obi, the Labour Party's (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, to plead with legal luminary Afe Babalola.

Farotimi, who is facing allegations of defamation filed by Afe Babalola and other prominent Nigerians, was recently arrested and detained by the Nigeria Police. Following the adjournment of his bail application to December 20, 2024, Farotimi remains in custody at Ekiti Prison.

During this period, Peter Obi reportedly visited Afe Babalola in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, urging him to consider Farotimi's "situation," particularly as he continues to recover in detention. However, Farotimi’s lawyer clarified that his client never requested such an intervention.

Speaking with Channels Television, Temokun highlighted Farotimi’s unwavering principles, stating that the human rights lawyer is confident in his ability to prevail in court. Temokun relayed Farotimi’s firm denial of any plea for leniency:

Farotimi said "if anybody who is very familiar with his antecedents, principles, and philosophy should believe that he sent someone to beg anybody, he would be deeply disappointed.

"He told me categorically that even you, Tope, if you join others to believe such a claim, I will be disappointed in you,” Temokun quoted.

Farotimi, a vocal advocate for justice, has previously authored a book that forms part of the allegations against him. His detention and ongoing legal battles have drawn attention from legal and political observers, with supporters calling for due process and transparency.