Temitope Temokun, lawyer for the detained activist Dele Farotimi, has expressed strong criticism over Peter Obi’s visit to Afe Babalola, describing it as harmful to efforts aimed at securing Farotimi’s release.
Temokun’s remarks came during a “Justice for Farotimi” event on Tuesday, which drew global attention. He alleged that the former Labour Party presidential candidate’s actions diverted public focus and diluted the momentum for Farotimi’s freedom.
Farotimi, a prominent rights activist and lawyer, was detained after his book accused the Nigerian judiciary of corruption.
“The movement was already mobilised to fight for Farotimi’s release, but then people started saying we had gone to beg Afe Babalola,” Temokun stated.
He further alleged that Peter Obi’s decision to visit the elder statesman set back the campaign.
“The decision to beg Afe Babalola hurt all the efforts that had already been put in place,” he added.
The controversy surrounding Peter Obi’s visit has triggered heated debates among activists, supporters, and political observers.
Dele Farotimi’s Case: A Brief Background
Dele Farotimi is known for his outspoken criticism of Nigeria’s political and judicial systems.
His latest book accused top judicial officers of corruption, a move that led Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to petition the police, resulting in Farotimi’s arrest.
This action sparked outrage among activists and civil society groups, both within and outside Nigeria, who called for his immediate release.
Prominent rights activist Omoyele Sowore and the Take It Back Movement had been planning protests to demand justice for Farotimi.
However, these protests were reportedly suspended after Peter Obi’s meeting with Afe Babalola.
Peter Obi’s Visit Draws Criticism
On Monday, Peter Obi traveled to Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, to meet with Afe Babalola.
Sources present at the meeting revealed that Obi pleaded with the respected lawyer to consider Farotimi’s “situation.”
While details of the discussions remain unclear, Obi’s actions were perceived by some as undermining the legal and activist-led push for Farotimi’s release.
“We had to step down the protests after Peter Obi went begging Afe Babalola,” Omoyele Sowore said.
“We felt they knew each other and perhaps there were behind-the-scenes efforts ongoing. Still, we sent representatives to organisations to demand his release,” he added.
A Surge in Public Outcry
Temokun noted that Farotimi’s own firm stance against the visit helped revive the campaign for justice.
“Dele Farotimi’s declaration that he didn’t authorise anyone to beg Afe Babalola ignited a fresh wave of public demand for his freedom,” Temokun said.
Since the controversy erupted, public pressure has mounted on Afe Babalola to withdraw his petition and facilitate Farotimi’s release.
Protests, both local and international, have been planned to compel the elder statesman to step back from what many perceive as an abuse of power.
Afe Babalola Under Fire
Afe Babalola has faced severe criticism for his role in Farotimi’s incarceration.
Many Nigerians have accused the senior lawyer of using his influence to stifle dissent and target activists.
Critics argue that the judiciary should not be weaponised to suppress freedom of speech and activism.
The Road Ahead
Activists remain divided over the implications of Peter Obi’s visit.
Some believe it was a genuine attempt to broker peace and facilitate Farotimi’s release.
Others, however, argue that it sent the wrong signal and jeopardised months of grassroots mobilisation.
Meanwhile, Dele Farotimi’s supporters are ramping up efforts to secure his release, with plans for protests, legal battles, and international campaigns.
The controversy has also raised broader questions about the intersection of politics, activism, and justice in Nigeria.
As the case unfolds, all eyes are on Peter Obi, Afe Babalola, and the judiciary to see whether justice will prevail for Dele Farotimi.
