Human rights lawyer and author, Dele Farotimi, has disclosed that the visit by Peter Obi, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent Nigerians to legal luminary Afe Babalola during his legal ordeal was not initiated by him.
Farotimi made the clarification during an appearance on a national television programme while reflecting on his arrest and prosecution over allegations arising from his book.
According to him, contrary to public speculation, he neither requested nor authorised anyone to plead on his behalf before Aare Afe Babalola.
"I did not send Peter Obi, the Ooni of Ife or anybody to plead on my behalf," Farotimi said during the interview.
He explained that the decision by the respected personalities to visit Babalola was entirely theirs, stressing that he had no involvement in arranging or requesting the intervention.
Farotimi maintained that his legal battle stemmed from the contents of a book he authored and reiterated his commitment to defending his views through lawful means.
The activist recalled the circumstances surrounding his arrest, describing the experience as a defining moment in his pursuit of justice and freedom of expression.
His comments come months after his arrest over allegations linked to his publication, a development that generated widespread public debate and drew reactions from civil society organisations, legal practitioners and political figures across the country.
Farotimi's latest remarks are expected to reignite discussions surrounding the high-profile case, particularly the role played by notable Nigerians who intervened during the dispute.
While reflecting on the episode, the lawyer insisted that he neither sought political influence nor appealed to prominent individuals to secure his freedom, maintaining that any intervention made on his behalf was voluntary and not at his instance.
