The Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola SAN, has agreed to withdraw the criminal defamation cases filed against lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi, following appeals from prominent Yoruba traditional rulers led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Farotimi faced two court cases in Ekiti State after Babalola accused him of defaming his character in a book titled Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
The activist was arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti for alleged criminal defamation and at the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti for alleged cyberbullying.
According to The PUNCH, during a midnight meeting held at ABUAD and attended by top Yoruba monarchs, including the Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, Babalola agreed to discontinue the cases.
“I will tell my lawyers to withdraw the case,” Babalola said, adding that while he felt deeply hurt by Farotimi’s accusations, the intervention of Yoruba monarchs had persuaded him to reconsider his stance.
The gathering also included Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe (Ewi of Ado Ekiti), Oba Joseph Adewole (Ajero of Ijero Ekiti), Oba Adejimi Adu (Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti), Oba Michael Ademolaju (Oloye of Oye Ekiti), and Oba Emmanuel Aladejare (Alaaye of Efon Ekiti).
Explaining his decision, Babalola said, “I rejected earlier appeals from leaders like former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti. I felt deeply insulted because Farotimi accused me of corruption in winning cases and attacked the integrity of judges, including those at the Supreme Court.”
However, he added, “There is nothing I stand to gain from his imprisonment or financial damages. I have no quest for more wealth; my happiness lies in giving back to society. Following the appeal of the monarchs, I have decided to let go.”
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Ooni of Ife praised Babalola’s achievements and integrity. “Your name is more valuable than gold or silver. Nobody can tarnish your legacy,” Ogunwusi said.
He described Babalola as a pillar of Yoruba culture and a global icon of hard work, adding, “We appeal to you as your children to see Farotimi as one of your own. We, the obas, have resolved this matter in our own way. Your name remains untouchable.”
