Peter Obi visited Aare Afe Babalola in Ekiti to discuss the legal issues involving activist Dele Farotimi, who faces defamation and cybercrime charges. Obi appealed for Farotimi’s forgiveness, but Babalola emphasized the need for Farotimi’s remorse. Obi later visited Farotimi in prison to discuss the matter further.
On Monday, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, visited Aare Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University, in Ado Ekiti, to address the ongoing legal challenges faced by activist lawyer Dele Farotimi. Farotimi, who is accused of defamation and cybercrime, has been charged in both the Ekiti State Magistrates’ Court and the Federal High Court.
The charges stem from claims made in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, where he alleged that Afe Babalola had been involved in influencing Supreme Court judges. Following these allegations, a defamation case was filed against Farotimi, and he was previously remanded in custody. While the Magistrates’ Court has adjourned the case, the Federal High Court granted Farotimi bail on Monday, setting it at N50 million.
During his visit, Obi appealed to Babalola, asking him to reconsider the legal actions against Farotimi. Babalola, however, expressed that any decision regarding forgiveness would depend on whether Farotimi showed remorse for his accusations. Sources close to the discussions revealed that Babalola would be open to forgiving Farotimi if he expressed regret. Still, if Farotimi insists on the truth of his allegations, Babalola suggested he should present evidence in court.
After meeting with Babalola, Obi visited Farotimi at the correctional facility where he is being held, though details of their conversation remain private. The visit was widely noted, with social activist Moses Paul sharing pictures of Obi's engagements in Ado Ekiti.
