NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has paid a visit to legal luminary, Afe Babalola, SAN at the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti.
According to sources, the visit appears connected to ongoing legal proceedings involving Dele Farotimi, a Lagos-based lawyer and activist accused of defamation by Babalola.
The meeting might have been arranged by a former president, who is a close friend of Aare Afe, to find other ways to settle the defamation case against Farotimi, a prominent member of the Obidient movement.
Other sources at the meeting confirmed that Peter Obi begged Afe Babalola on behalf of Farotimi.
After meeting with Afe Babalola, the former Anambra governor proceeded to the prison facility to see Dele Farotimi.
An X user, @Drmopaul wrote:
“Today, Mr. @PeterObi traveled from Lagos to Ekiti State, dedicating the entire day to meaningful engagements. He visited Aare Afe Babalola at his office within the Afe Babalola University, where they had in-depth discussions on critical issues, including the situation of activists and lawyer @DeleFarotimi Following this, Mr. @PeterObi proceeded to the prison facility where @DeleFarotimi is being held. In a private meeting, he expressed solidarity and engaged in a candid exchange aimed at addressing the prevailing challenges.”
Reacting to the meeting, human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore wrote:
“I condemn those who went to “beg” Chief Afe Babalola today over the unjust detention and persecution of @DeleFarotimi; the delegation led by @PeterObi did colossal injustice to the struggle to drain the swamp of judicial criminality in our country;
“Obi’s action is like forcing Rosa Parks to return to back of the bus of racial injustice during the civil rights era in the US! The struggle continues! #RevolutionNow #FreeDeleFarotimiNow”
Recall that Farotimi was arrested following a petition from legal luminary Afe Babalola (SAN).
Farotimi was accused of publishing false statements in his book ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’, which is said to have tarnished 95-year-old Babalola’s reputation.
According to the charges, Farotimi’s book, which was widely circulated, contained damaging claims against Babalola and his law firm.
In particular, the book accused Babalola and other lawyers of influencing the Supreme Court in a corrupt manner.
The court argued that these allegedly false statements could cause public fear, harm reputations, and disturb the peace.
He was granted bail on Monday in the sum of N50 million.
The bail conditions require a surety of the same amount, with landed property as collateral.
The case has also been adjourned to January 29, 2025.
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