JUST IN: Afe Babalola Withdraws Defamation Suits Against Dele Farotimi After Ooni and Monarchs’ Intervention

Afe Babalola 

Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has agreed to withdraw the defamation cases filed against activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi following the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other Yoruba monarchs.

Babalola had filed criminal charges against Farotimi for alleged defamation in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, accusing the legal activist of insinuating that he won cases through corruption. Farotimi was standing trial in both the Magistrate Court and the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti for criminal defamation and cyber-bullying, respectively.

Speaking at ABUAD on Monday after a midnight meeting with traditional rulers, Babalola announced his decision to drop the suits, saying, “The monarchs are here, they have appealed to me over a criminal charge involving somebody who said I was corrupt. I will instruct my lawyers to withdraw the case.”

The intervention was spearheaded by the Ooni of Ife, alongside prominent monarchs, including the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole; and the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu, among others.

The Ooni, who spoke on behalf of the monarchs, praised Babalola’s contributions to Yoruba development and reassured him that his reputation remained untarnished. “Your name is more than silver and gold, and nobody can tarnish it,” he said.

Babalola expressed his initial reluctance to withdraw the case, noting that earlier appeals from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bishop Mathew Kukah, and other dignitaries had been declined. However, he acknowledged the influence of the traditional rulers and emphasized his commitment to charity and public service.

“I have nothing to gain from his imprisonment or damages. My happiness comes from giving back to society,” he stated.

The Ooni described the resolution as a testament to the strength of the Yoruba traditional institution, adding, “We, the obas, have combined forces to resolve this matter. Dele Farotimi is your son, and as elders, we must guide and protect all our children.”

The monarchs’ intervention has been widely praised as a demonstration of unity and respect for traditional values in conflict resolution.