Segun Atanda/
The Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, and legal titan, Aare Afe Babalola SAN, has withdrawn his high-profile defamation case against activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi.
The decision followed an intense midnight intervention by Yoruba traditional rulers, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Farotimi had faced a storm of legal trouble after Babalola accused him of defaming him in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
The book alleged that Babalola and other Senior Advocates of Nigeria used corrupt practices to influence Supreme Court justices. This led to Farotimi’s arrest by Ekiti State police and subsequent arraignment on charges of criminal defamation and cyberbullying in two courts.
Babalola, speaking at his prestigious university after the royal intervention, stated, “The monarchs have appealed to me over this criminal charge involving someone who called me corrupt. I will tell my lawyers to withdraw the case.”
The intervention was spearheaded by top Yoruba monarchs, including the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole; and the Alaaye of Efon Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare. Their mission? To persuade Babalola to forgive and drop the charges against Farotimi, a man they described as a “son of the Yoruba race.”
The Ooni of Ife, in a passionate appeal, assured Babalola, “Your name is more than silver and gold. Nobody can tarnish it. You have proven your worth to the world. Let this go.”
Babalola expressed deep hurt over Farotimi’s allegations, stating, “He accused me of winning cases through corruption. I rejected appeals from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and others because I was pained. But I gain nothing from his imprisonment or damages. I’m happy only when I give.”
Babalola recounted how the book targeted not just him but also judges of the Supreme Court, yet no one else had reacted. “I am bothered because of where I started in life—from the farm to where I am today.”
Ultimately, the senior advocate yielded to the combined plea of the Yoruba monarchs, saying, “Thank you, Kabiyesis. I will speak to my lawyers to withdraw it.”
The Ooni described the resolution as a triumph of Yoruba ethos and unity.
The case began with a petition dated November 19, 2024, where Babalola accused Farotimi of publishing defamatory content in his book. Farotimi was arrested in Lagos and transported to Ado Ekiti, where he faced a 16-count charge, including claims that Babalola used corruption to sway justice.
Despite the legal storm, the intervention of traditional rulers has brought the matter to a peaceful close.
0