In a gesture of reconciliation, Aare Afe Babalola SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University, has agreed to withdraw criminal defamation charges against lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi. The decision followed an intervention by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent Yoruba monarchs.
The legal dispute arose from allegations made by Farotimi in his book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, where he accused Babalola of corruption. Following a petition by Babalola, Farotimi faced trials at both the Magistrate Court and Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti for criminal defamation and cyberbullying.
At a meeting held at ABUAD in the early hours of Monday, Babalola acknowledged the appeals from traditional rulers and agreed to drop the case. The gathering included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi; the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; and other prominent Yoruba monarchs.
Speaking at the event, Babalola said, “I felt deeply hurt by the accusation that I won all my cases through corruption. However, after listening to the Kabiyesis, I have decided to instruct my lawyers to withdraw the case. There is nothing I stand to gain from his imprisonment or damages.”
The Ooni of Ife praised Babalola’s legacy and assured him that his name remains untarnished, saying, “Your name is more valuable than silver and gold. We appeal to you as a father to let this matter rest. Dele Farotimi is like a son, and sometimes children err.”
The monarchs emphasized the importance of Yoruba unity and traditional values, with Oba Ogunwusi stating, “We have done the needful as custodians of our culture and appealed to Baba to embrace reconciliation. His contributions to Yorubaland and beyond are invaluable.”
This resolution highlights the enduring influence of traditional institutions in conflict resolution and the importance of preserving unity within the Yoruba community.