The national caucus leaders of the Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere, on Friday paid a solidarity visit to lawyer and author, Mr. Dele Farotimi, at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre.
Farotimi, who is also a member of Afenifere’s national caucus, is currently being held in prison as part of an ongoing legal battle.
The case against him stems from allegations of defamation made by Chief Afe Babalola, the founder of the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD).
Afenifere leaders visited Farotimi to deliver a private message from their national leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and to check on his well-being during his detention.
In a statement released by Afenifere’s Deputy Secretary-General, Alade Rotimi-John, the group expressed strong dissatisfaction with the handling of Farotimi’s case by the courts.
The statement particularly criticized the chief magistrate who presided over the case on Tuesday.
According to Afenifere, the magistrate failed to consider the need for urgent attention to Farotimi’s bail application, which the group described as a “bailable offence.”
Afenifere called the remand of Farotimi in the correctional centre “a deeply disturbing miscarriage of justice.”
The statement also highlighted that Farotimi should not have been detained in the first place, given the nature of the case and the fact that he was facing a charge related to defamation, a non-violent offence.
In their visit, Afenifere’s leaders made it clear that they would be waiting for the ruling of the chief magistrate on December 20 before deciding on their next course of action.
“If the ruling on December 20 does not go in Mr. Farotimi’s favour, Afenifere will take appropriate action,” the statement read.
During the visit, the Afenifere leaders conveyed their solidarity and support for Farotimi, reassuring him of the group’s commitment to his cause.
They also used the opportunity to express their concerns about the state of justice in Nigeria, particularly with regard to the treatment of individuals who are involved in legal disputes with powerful figures.
The Afenifere delegation included prominent members of the group, such as Chief Supo Shonibare, Basorun Segun Sanni, Mrs. Nike Olujembola, Mrs. Toyin Falade, Pastor Olayemi Olajuyinnu, and Mr. Tunde Babarinde, among others.
These leaders have been vocal in their support for Farotimi, both in his capacity as a member of Afenifere and as an advocate for social justice.
The case has drawn widespread attention across the country, with many questioning the motivations behind the defamation lawsuit and the treatment of Farotimi by the authorities.
Farotimi, a respected lawyer and author, has been at the forefront of several legal and social causes. His detention has sparked concerns about the state of freedom of speech and the ability of individuals to speak out against powerful figures without facing persecution.
The ongoing case has also raised concerns about the independence of the judiciary and the use of legal tools to silence critics.
In response to the defamation suit, Farotimi has consistently denied any wrongdoing, insisting that his statements were within the bounds of free speech and were made in good faith.
The case has now taken a political dimension, with Afenifere positioning itself as a strong advocate for Farotimi and for what it considers to be a just legal process.
As the December 20 ruling approaches, all eyes will be on the judiciary to see whether Farotimi’s legal troubles will end in his release or whether the courts will uphold the charges against him.
The Afenifere group has made it clear that they will continue to advocate for Farotimi’s release and will take further action if necessary to ensure that justice is served.
“We stand by Mr. Farotimi, and we will not rest until justice is done,” Afenifere’s statement concluded.
