Legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has agreed to withdraw criminal defamation charges against human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, following appeals from prominent Yoruba monarchs.
Babalola made the decision after a delegation led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, alongside other revered Ekiti monarchs, including the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, and the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu, met with him at the ABUAD campus.
Farotimi had been facing defamation and cybercrime charges in both an Ekiti State Magistrate’s Court and the Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti. The case stemmed from claims made in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, where he alleged that Babalola had influenced Supreme Court judges.
Despite entering a not-guilty plea, Farotimi was initially remanded before being granted bail—₦30 million by the Magistrate’s Court and ₦50 million by the Federal High Court.
Monarchs Plead for Withdrawal
Speaking after the closed-door meeting with Babalola, the Ooni of Ife emphasized that Yoruba leaders had been closely monitoring the case and decided to step in for reconciliation.
“We are coming together as a race to take this matter off your hands. Baba, you have told the world your side, and they have heard you clearly. You have fought to sustain your name, and nobody can rubbish it. We appeal to you to let this go,” Oba Ogunwusi said.
He added that the intervention was in line with Yoruba cultural values, emphasizing that Farotimi remained a son of the race, even if he and Babalola were unfamiliar with each other.
Babalola’s Response
In his response, Babalola acknowledged that he had received multiple appeals, including from former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah, but had initially declined their requests.
However, with the intervention of the monarchs, he said he had no option but to concede.
“There is nothing I stand to gain from his imprisonment. If I sue him, I gain nothing from any damages. I am not seeking wealth but ways to give back to society. The only time I am happy is when I give,” Babalola stated.
He affirmed that he would instruct his legal team to discontinue the case immediately.
“When Obasanjo and Kukah appealed to me, I said no. But with this request from the Yoruba traditional rulers, I say yes,” he concluded.
