Kwankwaso and Duke Hold Strategic Meeting with Obasanjo in Abeokuta

Former Nigerian leaders Kwankwaso and Duke meet with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta to discuss national issues and potential collaborations for Nigeria’s development.

Tope Temokun, an attorney representing human rights activist and legal practitioner Dele Farotimi, stated that his client did not send Peter Obi to plead with the octogenarian legal icon Afe Babalola regarding the alleged defamation case between Farotimi and Babalola.

Temokun appeared as a guest on the Sunday edition of “Inside Sources with Laolu Akande,” a socio-political program broadcasted on Channels Television.

In early December, the police in Ekiti State apprehended Farotimi at his office in Lagos and transported him to Ekiti State for prosecution.

The author was arraigned by the police for publishing a book titled “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,” in which he claimed that Afe Babalola had corrupted the judiciary and influenced a revised judgment in the Supreme Court.

The defendant denied all charges brought against him and has been held in custody for two weeks as legal proceedings unfold across multiple courts. Farotimi is also confronting similar accusations in Abuja and Oyo State.

Temokun mentioned that during his visit to Farotimi in prison on Friday, Farotimi clarified he had not instructed Obi to appeal to Babalola or seek an out-of-court settlement for the issue.

He mentioned that he had visited Mr. Dele Farotimi at a correctional facility in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State yesterday afternoon.

Recent events, including Mr. Peter Obi’s visit to Aare Afe Babalola and his meeting with Mr. Dele Farotimi, have led to some confusion about the situation among people. To address this uncertainty, I visited him yesterday for a thorough discussion where we clarified matters.

After Peter Obi departed from Ekiti, the town buzzed with news about conditions for release, discussions of an apology, and whether Mr. Dele Farotimi could accomplish certain tasks to secure his freedom.

I informed Farotimi that my purpose for being here is to ask, “What do you believe should be done?” Regarding Mr. Peter Obi’s visit with you and his later meeting with Aare Afe Babalola, can you share your insights on these events? What message would you like to convey to Aare Afe Babalola? Additionally, what is your message for the general public and specifically for me as a member of your legal team?

Farotimi expressed that if someone is familiar with his background, principles, and philosophy over time, they should not believe claims suggesting he sent anyone to beg on his behalf. Especially in a matter where he has already written and published a book about it. He would be greatly disappointed in any reasonable person who believes such accusations.

He firmly stated that if you, Tope, ever believe I would plead with anyone or send someone to do so on my behalf, it would greatly disappoint me.

Temokun stated that Farotimi is in high spirits and remains optimistic about overcoming his challengers in various courts.