Farotimi: Sowore Lambasts Peter Obi, Others For ‘Begging’ Afe Babalola

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has strongly criticized former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi for allegedly seeking intervention from legal icon Chief Afe Babalola on behalf of Lagos-based lawyer and public affairs commentator, Dele Farotimi. Farotimi is currently facing trial before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ekiti State after being arrested for allegedly defaming Chief Babalola in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.

The controversy stemmed from Farotimi’s arrest last week, during which policemen from the Ekiti State Command reportedly invaded his Lagos Chambers, allegedly harassing his staff and others present. The arrest has drawn widespread condemnation, and Farotimi was later remanded in custody until his bail of N50 million was granted by the same court on Monday.

Sowore, in a post on his Facebook page, accused Peter Obi and other unnamed individuals of visiting Chief Babalola to seek leniency for Farotimi. Sowore described this action as an “unspeakable and despicable injustice” in the ongoing battle against judicial corruption in Nigeria.

Sowore compared Obi’s alleged actions to forcing civil rights activist Rosa Parks to give up her seat on a bus during the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, suggesting that Obi’s intervention betrayed the principles of justice and fairness in the country.

Sowore’s comments have sparked further debate, with many questioning the integrity of those involved in the alleged mediation and their stance on fighting corruption and upholding justice in Nigeria.