Biography
Dele Farotimi is a prominent Nigerian lawyer, author and political activist, born on April 27, 1968. Invited to the Nigerian Bar Association in 1999, he actively practiced law until his retirement in 2018 at the age of 50.
Farotimi earned a law degree from Lagos State Universitywhere he demonstrated early leadership and commitment to social justice as President of the Student Association in the 1994/1995 session. He is the founder Dele Farotimi & Co (Currently DF legal), a full-service law firm specializing in real estate, litigation, infrastructure, energy law and financial institutions.
As an author, Farotimi has published thought-provoking works addressing Nigeria’s political and social challenges, including Don’t die in their fight And The imperatives of the Nigerian Revolution. His writings highlight his steadfast support for systemic reform, accountability and transparency in governance.
Known for his critical stance against corruption and oppressive regimes, he actively campaigns for social justice as a member of Citizen protest against oppression (RAMINBA), strives to empower Nigerians and challenge state-sanctioned injustices.
Farotimi’s activism has not been without controversy. He has faced arrests and defamation charges stemming from his outspoken writings and speeches, which continue to spark important national conversations about governance and reform. way.
Nigerian lawyer and author
Dele Farotimi |
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 Dele Farotimi: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Info & About Data | |
| Real name: | Dele Farotimi |
| Born: | April 27, 1968 (56 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| State of origin: | Lagos State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Education: | Lagos State University |
| Height: | not applicable |
| Parents: | Mr. and Mrs. Farotimi |
| Siblings: | not applicable |
| Couple: | Funmi Farotimi |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | not applicable |
| Children: | Igbayilola Farotimi, Ajibola Farotimi, Afolarin Farotimi |
| Job: | Lawyer • Author |
| Net worth: | 3.2 million USD (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Dele Farotimi was born on April 27, 1968 in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. He is of Yoruba descent, one of the country’s largest ethnic groups, mainly living in the Southwest region.
Farotimi was a Christian and grew up in a family that valued education and integrity, although details about his parents and siblings are not widely recorded.
He completed his early education in Lagos, attending local primary and secondary schools, although the names of these institutions are not publicly available. Farotimi pursued a Law degree at Lagos State University (LASU), where he distinguished himself through his active participation in student politics. He served as President of the Student Association in the 1994/1995 session, demonstrating his early leadership abilities and passion for advocacy.
After graduation LASUhe attended Nigerian Law School and was called to the Bar in 1999, marking the formal beginning of his legal career.
Career
Dele Farotimi’s career spans law, activism, authorship and political commentary, marked by his dedication to social justice and advocacy for systemic change in Nigeria. After being invited to the Nigerian Bar Association in 1999, Farotimi practiced law in various fields, establishing Dele Farotimi & Co (Later DF legal). He retired in 2018 at age 50 to focus on activism.
His activism began during his college days as Student Association President In Lagos State Universitywhere he fought for the rights of students. After his retirement, he became more vocal, critical of Nigeria’s governance, corruption and electoral problems, often clashing with authorities, leading to several legal battles over his outspoken statements. grandfather.
As an author, Farotimi has written books such as “Don’t die in their fight” And “The imperatives of the Nigerian Revolution,” focuses on the need for systemic change in Nigeria. He is a frequent guest on media platforms, taking advantage of these opportunities to discuss law, politics and social issues, using his articulate and provocative speaking style.
His career has not been without controversy; His criticism sometimes led to arrest for libel. Despite these challenges, Farotimi’s work has significantly shaped public discourse, advocating for transparency, accountability, and reform of Nigeria’s political and social structures.
Social Media
- Instagram: Dele Farotimi (@delefarotimi)
- Wikipedia: Dele Farotimi
- Twitter: Dele Farotimi. A victim of Nigeria (@DeleFarotimi) / X
- Facebook: Dele Farotimi
- YouTube: Dele Farotimi
Personal life
Dele Farotimi is married to Funmi Farotimi, who is known for her support of his career and activities. There is no public record of him being married more than once. The couple has three children: Igbayilola Farotimi, Ajibola Farotimi and Afolarin Farotimi.
Although details about their children are limited, they are known to reside in the United States, a decision influenced by safety considerations and the pursuit of better opportunities.
Argumentative
Dele Farotimi was arrested on December 3, 2024, in Lagos State by officers from the Ekiti State Police Command for alleged defamation in relation to his book, Nigeria and its criminal justice system. Senior Nigerian advocate, Afe Babalola, alleged that the book contained defamatory statements. His arrest sparked controversy, especially regarding his transportation from Lagos to Ekiti State, bypassing local police regulations.
Farotimi was released on December 24, 2024 after 21 days of detention. His release is subject to strict bail conditions set by the Ekiti Magistrates Court, which include a N30 million bond, two sureties (one being the property owner), delivery surrender of passport and ban on media interviews. Supporters celebrated his release as a victory for free speech and protest against the oppressive use of law enforcement.
The arrest sparked widespread legal and public debate. Critics, including the Nigerian Bar Association and human rights lawyer Femi Falana, have questioned the legality of arresting someone for defamation, which has been legalized in the State. Lagos. The case highlights issues relating to the criminalization of defamation and abuse of police power. Public outrage was amplified by the hashtag #FreeDeleFarotimiNowwith prominent figures such as Omoyele Sowore, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi condemning the arrest as an attack on freedom of expression.
Farotimi’s arrest and subsequent release dominated media coverage, spurring discussions about democracy, judicial integrity, and the weaponization of the legal system against critics. After his release, Farotimi reaffirmed his innocence, criticized Nigeria’s justice system, and thanked the public for its support. He used the incident to further emphasize his call for systemic reform and accountability.
Net worth
Dele Farotimi’s net worth is estimated to be around $3.2 million. This wealth comes from his long career as a lawyer, where he founded and ran DF Legal, a prominent law firm in Nigeria.
Additionally, his sources of income include books, public speaking, and his role as a commentator and political activist. However, net worth estimates may vary and this figure reflects the most recent public assessments.
Work
Book
- “Don’t Die in Their Fight” – A critique of the Nigerian state and its systems of oppression.
- “Imperatives of the Nigerian Revolution” – Discusses the steps necessary for Nigeria to achieve true democracy and escape corruption.
Legal practice
- Founder of Dele Farotimi & Co (later DF Legal), where he practiced law in areas such as real estate, litigation, infrastructure, energy law and financial institutions until his retirement in 2018.
Political activism and commentary
- Many speeches, interviews and public appearances on television, radio and social media platforms discussed Nigerian politics, law, governance and social issues. Although the specific titles or names of these appearances are not officially recorded, his contributions in these media are well known.
Leadership and Advocacy
- Served as the Students’ Union President at Lagos State University during the 1994/1995 session, where he started his activism by advocating for students’ rights and better governance in educational institutions.
Essays and articles
- Farotimi has written many essays and articles published in newspapers, magazines and online platforms, although they are not collated by specific title. They often focus on socio-political commentary, legal insights and advocacy for change in Nigeria.
