Human rights advocate Dele Farotimi recently expressed deep gratitude and emotion while reflecting on the overwhelming support he received from Nigerians during his recent ordeal. Speaking in a YouTube video and sharing his thoughts on social media, Farotimi credited the collective voice of the Nigerian people for saving his life.
He articulated the idea that divisions among Nigerians based on ethnicity and religion had led them to lose sight of their shared humanity. “We stopped being human because we became Nigerians,” he said, noting that supporters spoke out for him regardless of his background. “Because you wouldn’t see me as a Yoruba man, you spoke for me. Because you wouldn’t see me as a Christian, you spoke for me.”
Farotimi highlighted the power of unity in the face of oppression, stating, “You found your voices. I became you. And in our collective, you couldn’t be silenced.”
His release followed an arrest on December 3 by the Ekiti State Police Command, where he faced charges of defamation and cyberbullying. These charges stemmed from allegations made by prominent lawyer Aare Afe Babalola, who claimed he was defamed in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. The book alleged that Babalola and other Senior Advocates of Nigeria had improperly influenced Supreme Court Justices.
After facing significant legal challenges, including additional charges from the Inspector General of Police, Farotimi was granted bail on December 21 under strict conditions. He maintained his innocence, asserting that he had never lied about anyone and emphasized the importance of truth in his fight against corruption.
Farotimi concluded by reaffirming his commitment to his cause, stating, “In my war against the evil empire that we all live in, I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know, I will say I don’t know.”
