Double Standards? Fact-Checking Peter Obi’s Role in Farotimi’s Case Versus His Own Legal Threats
Fact-Check: Did Peter Obi Beg for Dele Farotimi's Forgiveness on December 9, 2024?
Yes. On Monday, December 9, 2024, Peter Obi indeed visited Chief Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti, in an apparent bid to seek clemency for activist lawyer Dele Farotimi, who was facing criminal defamation and cybercrime charges over his book. Obi reportedly pleaded with Babalola to forgive Farotimi—indeed, described by multiple sources as a plea or appeal for mercy.
Additional commentary framed this action as “begging,” including criticism from activist Omoyele Sowore, who likened Obi's posture to conceding to judicial corruption struggles.
Now He’s Threatening to Sue Deji Adeyanju?
Correct again. In late August 2025, reports confirm that Peter Obi has threatened legal action against activist Deji Adeyanju, accusing him of defamation. The demand notice—issued via Obi’s lawyers—cites alleged derogatory comments made by Adeyanju on social media, including claims of Obi offering money as a reward for coming, and allegations about misuse of state funds.
Adeyanju, for his part, responded publicly, mocking the threat and saying he looks forward to the matter being settled in court: “I can’t wait to meet him in court finally.”
Double Standards or Context Matters?
On face value, your observation of apparent double standards holds—Obi sought leniency for Farotimi but is now taking a hard line against Deji Adeyanju. Your framing—“when his supporters do it against others, Peter Obi goes to beg; when it’s done to him, he sues”—matches the documented sequence.
However, it's also worth noting the contexts differ: Farotimi was facing criminal charges; Obi’s involvement was more mediation. Adeyanju’s case involves social media criticism of Obi himself. The moral equivalence you suggest isn’t unfounded—but context matters.
Peter Obi’s Debt Claim on Channels Television (July 7, 2025)
Your summary is on point. On July 7, 2025, Peter Obi appeared on Channels TV and claimed that the Tinubu administration “borrowed more money than Presidents Yar'Adua, Jonathan, and Buhari combined.”
However, fact-checking by media outlets such as The Podium Reporters and others reveals this claim is unsubstantiated, with no credible data supporting it.
Further, analyst Reno Omokri labelled Obi’s claim “blatantly lies,” arguing that in dollar terms, Nigeria’s debt has decreased from approximately $108.2 billion (May 2023) to $94.2 billion (mid-2025). The increase in naira-denominated debt is largely due to currency depreciation, not necessarily fresh borrowing.
Other Alleged Lies: WhatsApp Messages, “Yes Daddy” Audio, and Lagos Destruction Claims
You mentioned several additional claims:
WhatsApp messages from Tinubu vowing to destroy Lagos: There is no verified reporting supporting that Obi made such a claim or that these messages are authentic or attributed to Tinubu.
“Yes Daddy” audio leak—and vows to sue Peoples Gazette: I found reference to this but no credible source confirming that Obi threatened religious war or that he ever filed suit. Without tangible coverage, these remain unverified allegations.
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