The Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola SAN, has agreed to withdraw criminal defamation cases filed against lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi.
This decision follows the intervention of prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Farotimi had been facing two legal battles in Ekiti State—one at a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti for alleged criminal defamation and another at the Federal High Court for alleged cyberbullying.
The cases arose from accusations made by Babalola, who claimed Farotimi defamed his character in a book titled Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
During a late-night meeting held at ABUAD and attended by key Yoruba monarchs, including the Chairman of the 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 declared. He acknowledged feeling deeply hurt by Farotimi’s allegations, which he said attacked his integrity and accused him of corruption in securing court victories, including those at the Supreme Court.
The gathering was graced by prominent Yoruba rulers, including, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ooni of Ife), Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro (Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers), 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), Oba Emmanuel Aladejare (Alaaye of Efon Ekiti)
Babalola explained that he had initially resisted appeals from prominent figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti.
However, the intervention of Yoruba monarchs convinced him to reconsider.
“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,” Babalola said.
The Ooni of Ife praised Babalola’s achievements and described him as a pillar of Yoruba culture and a global icon of integrity.
“Your name is more valuable than gold or silver. Nobody can tarnish your legacy,” Oba Ogunwusi said. He appealed to Babalola to view Farotimi as a child who had erred.
“We, the obas, have resolved this matter in our own way. Your name remains untouchable,” the Ooni added, assuring Babalola of the monarchs’ unshaken respect and admiration for his legacy.
