Peter Obi Meets Afe Babalola In Ekiti Over Farotimi’s Legal Troubles

Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, visited Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), on Monday.

The meeting took place at Babalola’s office on the university campus in Ekiti State.

Dele Farotimi, a lawyer and activist, is currently facing defamation and cybercrime charges at an Ekiti State Magistrates’ Court and the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti. The defamation case stems from allegations in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, which accused Babalola of influencing Supreme Court judges.

While the Magistrates’ Court had earlier remanded Farotimi, adjourning the case to December 10, the Federal High Court granted him bail on Monday, setting the conditions at N50 million.

Sources in Ado-Ekiti disclosed that Obi’s visit was aimed at appealing to Babalola regarding Farotimi’s case.

A source revealed, “After Obi made his case for Farotimi, Babalola asked whether he had seen Farotimi that he had come to appeal on his behalf to know whether he has been remorseful.

“Baba told Obi that everything depended on whether Farotimi was remorseful for his actions or not.”

Another source corroborated, saying, “From what I saw, Babalola would be willing to forgive Farotimi, except he decided to choose the path of perdition.

“I think that as it is, he (Farotimi) has to plead for forgiveness before he can be forgiven. We told Obi to go and talk to Farotimi, but if he is not ready for apology and says that he has evidence to prove that Baba corrupted Supreme Court judges, let him go and prove that in court.

“So, consequent upon that, Obi went to the correctional centre to meet with Farotimi. But I cannot say yet what transpired there. But I can tell you that Obi went there to meet him.”

Meanwhile, social activist Moses Paul shared visuals of Obi’s visits to Afe Babalola and the correctional facility.

Paul 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.”

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… pic.twitter.com/1geOoPQtRf

— Dr Mo (Moses Paul) (@Drmopaul) December 9, 2024