Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has sharply criticised Labour Party’s Peter Obi for visiting renowned legal icon Afe Babalola SAN.
Sowore’s remarks came after Obi’s closed-door meeting with Babalola in Ekiti State, which reportedly aimed to mediate the ongoing legal troubles involving detained activist Dele Farotimi.
In a fiery post on his X handle, Sowore lambasted Obi’s actions, describing them as a betrayal of justice.
“I condemn those who went to ‘beg’ Chief Afe Babalola today over unjust detention and persecution of Dele Farotimi,” Sowore wrote.
He compared Obi’s gesture to “forcing Rosa Parks to return to the back of the bus of racial injustice during the civil rights era in the United States.”
Sowore added, “The delegation led by Peter Obi did colossal injustice to the struggle to drain the swamp of judicial criminality in our country. The struggle continues! Free Dele Farotimi Now.”
Peter Obi’s visit to Afe Babalola was reportedly organised by a prominent Yoruba leader to foster peace in the legal dispute between Babalola and Farotimi.
The move, however, has sparked heated debate, with critics like Sowore accusing Obi of undermining the fight against perceived injustices in Nigeria’s judicial system.
Obi also visited Farotimi in prison on Monday evening before his meeting with Babalola.
Supporters of the Labour Party candidate defended his actions, arguing that dialogue is a vital step toward resolving conflicts.
However, Sowore and other activists believe that such an approach could compromise the principles of justice and accountability.
Dele Farotimi, a vocal activist and lawyer, was arrested in Lagos on Tuesday and arraigned before a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday.
He faces a 16-count charge of defamation of character against Afe Babalola, a respected figure in Nigeria’s legal and political circles.
The charges stem from Farotimi’s comments, which allegedly tarnished Babalola’s reputation.
The Nigerian police escalated the case on Friday, December 6, by filing additional cybercrime charges against Farotimi at the Federal High Court in Ekiti.
Despite these legal hurdles, Farotimi received a significant reprieve on Monday, December 9, when the court granted him bail.
The bail conditions include a N50 million bond, which his legal team is currently working to fulfill.
Sowore’s reaction to Obi’s visit underscores a broader concern about the state of Nigeria’s judiciary.
Many activists see Farotimi’s case as a litmus test for the country’s commitment to justice and freedom of expression.
“This is not just about Farotimi,” a supporter of Sowore said. “It’s about challenging a system that silences dissent and protects the powerful.”
Sowore has long been a vocal critic of Nigeria’s political elite, accusing them of perpetuating systemic corruption and judicial malpractice.
For him, Obi’s visit represents a missed opportunity to stand firmly against what he calls “judicial criminality.”
The controversy has ignited diverse opinions among Nigerians on social media.
While some praised Obi for attempting to mediate, others accused him of siding with the establishment.
“Peter Obi’s visit was necessary to calm tensions and seek solutions,” a Twitter user wrote.
Another user countered, “This is not the time for negotiations. Justice must be served without compromise.”
The debate highlights the challenges faced by activists and politicians navigating Nigeria’s complex political and legal landscape.
Sowore’s call to action resonates with those who see Farotimi’s detention as a symbol of broader issues in the country’s justice system.
“The fight for justice is far from over,” Sowore declared.