Human rights activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi has boldly declared his readiness to face what he described as the ongoing “war” following his recent legal troubles. In an emotional and defiant post on social media, Farotimi revealed that he has “sharpened his battle axes and primed his guns,” signaling his commitment to confront both legal and personal challenges.
The controversy surrounding Farotimi began earlier this year, when he was accused of criminal defamation against Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Afe Babalola. Farotimi had allegedly made damaging remarks about Babalola in his book Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, leading to his arrest and subsequent detention by the Ekiti State Magistrate Court.
But now, Farotimi seems more resolute than ever, declaring that the first round of the battle has been lost by his accusers. “I knew that the first round had been lost by those responsible for my imprisonment,” he said, hinting that his fight was far from over.
A few weeks ago, the embattled lawyer was granted bail in the sum of N30 million by an Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrate Court after spending several days in detention. Despite the emotional toll of the experience, Farotimi has emerged from the ordeal with even greater determination.
“I am strong enough to rumble unruffled against principalities and powers, but I am human enough to retain the capacity to shed tears of joy in appreciation of the grace of God, expressed in the concerted efforts of fellow victims,” he said in a tearful post, reflecting on the support he has received from Nigerians during his trial.
Farotimi’s plight quickly became a cause célèbre, garnering support from various quarters across the country, transcending ethnic and religious lines. Reflecting on the overwhelming support he received, Farotimi shared a heartfelt message of gratitude to Nigerians. “We stopped being humans because we became Nigerians. They divided us and we fell for it. Because you would not see me as a Yoruba man, you spoke for me. You would not see me as a Christian, you spoke for me,” he said, visibly moved by the unity shown by his supporters.
He continued, “Because you spoke, Nigeria could not happen to me. You found your voices, I became you, and in our collective, we could not be silenced.”
This show of solidarity was not confined to social media. Many prominent Nigerian figures and human rights organizations rallied behind Farotimi, condemning what they called an abuse of legal powers in the attempt to silence a vocal critic of the political and legal system. His arrest also sparked discussions about freedom of speech in the country, with many fearing that the case could set a dangerous precedent for future attacks on activists and journalists.
While Farotimi’s legal team continues to prepare for the next phase of the trial, the controversy has also attracted the attention of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC). Afe Babalola’s law firm, Emmanuel Chambers, had initially called for Farotimi’s disbarment, accusing him of unethical conduct in his professional capacity. However, the LPDC swiftly rejected the request, ruling that Farotimi’s actions, which were allegedly taken as part of his authorship, did not fall under the purview of his legal practice.
In a statement, Isaq Bello, the chairman of the LPDC, explained that the allegations concerned Farotimi’s book, not his role as a practicing lawyer. The ruling was seen as a victory for Farotimi and his supporters, further solidifying his position that the case against him was politically motivated.
As the legal battle continues, Farotimi’s resolve seems unshaken. “My battle axes are newly sharpened, my guns primed, I am ready to war,” he proclaimed, emphasizing that he would not back down despite the challenges ahead.
The defamation case, which centers on Farotimi’s critical portrayal of the Nigerian justice system and its key players, is likely to remain in the spotlight for weeks to come. The outcome of the trial could have far-reaching implications for free speech in the country, especially concerning the rights of activists and their ability to speak truth to power.
For now, Farotimi remains focused on his mission. “The fight is not over,” he declared. “It is only just beginning, and I will continue to stand for truth and justice, no matter the cost.”
