Afe Babalola Withdraws Legal Cases Against Activist Lawyer Farotimi After Monarchs’ Intervention
The Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, announced on Monday his decision to withdraw the criminal defamation and cyber-bullying cases filed against activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
Babalola’s decision followed a late-night intervention by Yoruba monarchs led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent traditional rulers at a meeting held at ABUAD.
Speaking after the deliberation, Babalola stated, “I will tell my lawyers to withdraw the case.”
The dispute arose from a petition filed by Babalola to the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, accusing Farotimi of defamation in his book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
Farotimi was subsequently arrested and arraigned before two courts in Ekiti State: the Magistrate Court, Ado Ekiti District, for alleged criminal defamation, and the Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, for alleged cyber-bullying.
During the meeting, Babalola acknowledged the influence of Yoruba traditional institutions and their role in fostering peace.
The monarchs present included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi; 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.
Also Read: LPDC Rules Out Disbarment of Farotimi Over Book on Judicial Corruption
Babalola explained that he was initially resistant to appeals from notable figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adejugbe. He was deeply hurt by the accusations made in Farotimi’s book, particularly claims that he won cases through corrupt means.
“If you go through the pamphlet, you will find that he attacked many judges by name, including Supreme Court judges. None of them reacted, but I am bothered because of how I started life, from the farm to where I am today,” Babalola said.
He emphasized that he stood for integrity but decided to yield to the monarchs’ appeal.
The Ooni of Ife praised Babalola’s contributions to Yoruba land, Nigeria, and the world, describing his name as “more than silver and gold.”
He assured Babalola that his reputation remained untarnished despite the allegations.
“We came here to discuss the matter, and he has shown full respect to the obas by agreeing to our request,” Oba Ogunwusi said.
Concluding, Babalola expressed gratitude to the monarchs for their intervention, reaffirming his commitment to using his resources for the benefit of others.
“There is nothing I am going to gain from his imprisonment or damages. I am not in quest of more wealth but in finding joy in giving,” he stated.
The case is now expected to be formally withdrawn from court following Babalola’s directive to his legal team.
