The Ooni lauded Afe Babalola’s contributions to the development of Yorubaland, Nigeria, and the world, emphasizing the collective decision of the traditional rulers. “We came here to discuss the matter, and you gave full respect to the obas and agreed. Your name is intact, and the world has heard you clearly,” he added.
Ekiti, Nigeria – Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola SAN, has agreed to withdraw the criminal defamation suits filed against activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi. The decision followed an intervention by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other Yoruba traditional rulers during a midnight meeting at ABUAD on Monday.
Babalola had earlier petitioned the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, alleging that Farotimi defamed him in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. This led to Farotimi’s arrest and arraignment on charges of criminal defamation at an Ekiti State Magistrate Court, Ado Ekiti District, and cyber-bullying at the Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti Division.
Speaking after the intervention of prominent monarchs, including the Ooni, 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 Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro; the Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju; and the Alaaye of Efon Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare, Babalola announced his decision to drop the cases.
“I will tell my lawyers to withdraw the case,” Babalola said, adding that the Yoruba traditional institution had demonstrated its influence and significance.
The senior advocate explained his initial reluctance to heed earlier appeals, which came from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, and Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe. “If you go through the pamphlet (Farotimi’s book), you will find that he attacked many judges by name. He even attacked Supreme Court judges, but I am the one bothered because of how I started life, from the farm to where I am today,” he said.
Babalola, however, stated that he would gain nothing from Farotimi’s imprisonment or damages, emphasizing his commitment to using his resources for the benefit of others. “There is nothing I am going to gain from so-called damages. I am not in quest of more wealth but how to spend what I have for the benefit of others. The only time I am happy is when I give,” he noted.
The Ooni, speaking on behalf of the monarchs, expressed confidence that Babalola’s reputation could not be tarnished. “Your name is more than silver and gold, and you have stood for your name. Nobody can joke with it,” he said.
The Ooni lauded Babalola’s contributions to the development of Yorubaland, Nigeria, and the world, emphasizing the collective decision of the traditional rulers. “We came here to discuss the matter, and you gave full respect to the obas and agreed. Your name is intact, and the world has heard you clearly,” he added.
The monarch appealed for leniency, describing Farotimi as a son who needed guidance. “Dele Farotimi is your son. You may not know him, but we give birth to different children in this world. Some are tough, some are soft, some are hard. Why we are here is because of our ethos as a race,” the Ooni said.
Babalola agreed to the appeal, noting that he valued the intervention of the traditional rulers and their contributions to resolving the issue.
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