The Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola SAN, announced on Monday his decision to withdraw legal cases filed against activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi. This decision followed a midnight intervention by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent Yoruba monarchs.
The legal dispute began when Babalola filed a petition to the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, alleging that Farotimi defamed him in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. The activist was subsequently arrested and charged with criminal defamation and cyberbullying in two separate courts in Ado Ekiti.
Speaking at Afe Babalola University, Babalola explained that the Ooni and other traditional rulers had appealed to him to withdraw the cases. He stated, “The monarchs are here; they have appealed to me over a criminal charge involving someone who accused me of corruption. I will tell my lawyers to withdraw the case.”
The meeting was attended by key Yoruba traditional rulers, including the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro; the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole; the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu; the Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju; and the Alaaye of Efon Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare.
Babalola expressed his initial reluctance to drop the charges, noting that several prominent figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Mathew Kukah, had previously appealed to him without success. However, he emphasized the respect he holds for the Yoruba traditional institution, stating, “There is nothing I am going to gain from his imprisonment or damages. My joy comes from giving and contributing to society.”
The Ooni of Ife, speaking on behalf of the monarchs, assured Babalola that his reputation remains untarnished, saying, “Your name is more valuable than silver and gold. Nobody can tarnish your legacy.”
Oba Ogunwusi praised Babalola’s contributions to the development of the Yoruba race, Nigeria, and the world at large, adding, “We, the monarchs, came together to appeal to you as elders of the Yoruba race. Dele Farotimi is like a son to you, and we ask for your forgiveness. Your name is intact, and we have resolved this matter in our traditional way.”
The allegations against Farotimi stemmed from claims in his book accusing Babalola and other Senior Advocates of Nigeria of influencing Supreme Court justices through corrupt practices. Farotimi was arrested in Lagos by the Ekiti State Police Command and faced a 16-count charge of criminal defamation and cyberbullying in Ado Ekiti.
With this resolution, Babalola has directed his lawyers to withdraw all charges, marking an end to the legal dispute after a collaborative effort by Yoruba monarchs to mediate peace.
