My perspective:

In a stunning turn of events, Dele Farotimi’s arrest and incarceration over his thought-provoking book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,” have catapulted him to overnight fame. His plight has sparked widespread outrage and solidarity, with activists, concerned citizens, and elders convening to demand his freedom.

Farotimi’s popularity has soared, making him a household name. His book, once relatively unknown, is now on Amazon’s list of bestsellers. The irony is that his persecutor has inadvertently contributed to his success, providing him with unprecedented publicity.

The silver lining is that Farotimi’s book sales will benefit numerous orphanages, as he has pledged to donate all proceeds to charity. Beyond exposing the rot in the Nigerian criminal justice system, Farotimi conveys a powerful message of unity and tolerance that is spreading rapidly and transcending geographical boundaries.

As the walls of ethnic intolerance crumble, Farotimi’s ethos is inspiring a new era of understanding and empathy. The scales of bias are falling off the eyes of those once blinded by hate. It is becoming increasingly clear that the problem lies not in the divergence of ethnicity, but in the convergence of criminal-minded individuals at the helm of affairs.

In the midst of this unfolding drama, one cannot help but wonder if a higher power is at play. As the saying goes, “what will be, will be.” One thing is certain: Dele Farotimi’s story will continue to captivate and inspire us.

By Elvira Salleras