…says Farotimi was never victimized
…condemns planned protest, politicization of litigation
Counsel to Aare Afe Babalola, Owoseni Ajayi has advised the remanded human rights activist, Dele Farotimi to show remorse in the case of the alleged defamation against his client rather he should be ready to face the consequences.
Ajayi also condemned the planned protest and attempt by some individuals in the society to politicize the matter.
Farotimi was arrested in Lagos and arraigned before a Magistrate court sitting in Ado Ekiti following a book he authored wherein he accused Aare Afe Babalola of procuring judgement in the supreme court.
Addressing Journalists in Ado Ekiti, Ajayi expressed disappointment over the wide criticism against Afe Babalola in the social media over the matter saying those pushing such narrative definitely did not have information about the matter.
He explained that Afe Babalola had toed the line of the law to seek justice because the allegations published by Farotimi in his book are weighty and capable of destroying all that the legal luminary had worked for over the years.
Ajayi noted that, all that Afe Babalola wanted in the case is justice so as to correct the wrong impression that Farotimi had painted and to serve as deterrent to others who have continued to abuse the rights of free speech blackmail, malign and destroy the reputation of others.
He noted that those praising the detained lawyer are not helping him, rather, they should advise him to show remorse, pen down an apology which could serve as counter to the wrong perception already painted to the world.
He denied the allegations that Farotimi was victimized, saying he was only arrested after he failed to honour invitations and was arraigned the next day as required by the law so that he can provide evidences and proof to the allegations.