Dele Farotimi is a Nigerian lawyer, activist, public speaker, and author renowned for his outspoken critique of Nigeria’s systemic corruption and governance challenges. Born on April 27, 1968, in Ibadan, Oyo State, he grew up influenced by Nigeria’s socio-political dynamics, which shaped his passion for justice and equality. Farotimi earned his law degree from Lagos State University, where he was actively involved in student leadership, serving as the Student Union President in the 1994/1995 academic session. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1999 and practiced law actively until his retirement in 2018.
Farotimi's legal career included stints at notable firms like Adesina Ogunlana & Co. and K.O. Tinubu & Co., where he worked alongside distinguished legal minds, including Babatunde Fashola. In 2002, he founded his own firm, Dele Farotimi & Co., which became known for high-profile litigation and legal services in sectors such as real estate, energy, and intellectual property.
As an activist, Farotimi has been a vocal advocate for systemic change in Nigeria, particularly calling for a complete overhaul of the 1999 Constitution. He has authored several books, including Do Not Die in Their War and Imperatives of the Nigerian Revolution, which reflect his philosophy of accountability and social justice. Farotimi's writings and public engagements aim to inspire a liberated, equitable Nigeria, free from the grip of corruption and oppression.
In 2022, Farotimi became a spokesperson for the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign under the Labour Party, further cementing his role as a key player in Nigeria's political activism. His recent engagements include challenging oppressive policies and promoting youth involvement in governance. While his personal life remains largely private, he is married and continues to focus on inspiring change through his works and public discourses.
Dele Farotimi is a prominent Nigerian human rights lawyer, public intellectual, author, and activist known for his strong criticism of the Nigerian government and its judicial system. He has built a reputation for his outspoken stance on political and societal issues, often advocating for justice, equality, and accountability in governance. Farotimi has authored books such as Do Not Die in Their War and Nigeria: The Criminal Enterprise, which provide critical analyses of Nigeria's socio-political challenges.
Farotimi has been involved in several high-profile controversies, often stemming from his critiques of influential figures and institutions. One of his most recent legal battles involves allegations of defamation brought against him by Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University. The case revolves around claims made by Farotimi in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, where he accused Babalola of corrupting the judiciary. This led to criminal defamation charges and his detention in Ado Ekiti, amidst a highly publicized legal proceeding. Farotimi has pleaded not guilty, arguing that his arrest and subsequent trial are attempts to silence his activism and critique of the Nigerian judiciary.
Additionally, Farotimi has faced charges under the Cybercrimes Act for alleged false communication and harassment in relation to his public statements. Critics of the case have described it as an abuse of judicial process, raising concerns about the fairness of the trial and its implications for free speech in Nigeria.
Farotimi's legal battles and his criticism of Nigeria’s political and legal systems continue to highlight his commitment to activism, but they have also drawn attention to the tension between freedom of expression and institutional accountability in the country.