By THE founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola SAN, has agreed to withdraw the defamation cases filed against human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi.
Babalola had filed a petition to the Ekiti State police commissioner, alleging that Farotimi defamed him in a book titled Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
Afe Babalola
This led to Farotimi’s arrest and subsequent arraignment in two courts in Ekiti last year.
Farotimi faced charges of criminal defamation in an Ekiti State Magistrates’ Court, Ado Ekiti District, and cyber-bullying in the Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti Division. The Magistrates’ Court adjourned the case to 13 February, while the Federal High Court set a hearing for 29 January.
In the early hours of Monday, Babalola, after a midnight meeting with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent Yoruba monarchs, agreed to drop the cases.
Monarchs at the conference
Also present were the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro; 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 Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju; and the Alaaye of Efon Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare.
The elder statesman, reflecting on the value of Yoruba traditional institutions, remarked, “The monarchs have appealed to me regarding a criminal charge involving someone who accused me of corruption.”
Babalola expressed his dismay over Farotimi’s allegations that he won cases through corrupt means, which initially made him resistant to appeals from various figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and Oba Adejugbe.
Ooni of Ife and others at the pre-convocation conference
He said, “If you read the pamphlet (Farotimi’s book), you’ll see he attacked many judges by name, including Supreme Court judges. I am concerned because of my journey from humble beginnings to where I am today.
“There’s nothing to gain from his imprisonment or damages. I’m not seeking wealth but rather ways to use my resources for others. The only joy I derive is from giving. When Obasanjo and Kukah appealed, I declined. But this time, I say yes. Thank you, Kabiyesis. I will instruct my lawyers to withdraw the cases.”
Speaking on behalf of Yoruba monarchs, the Ooni reassured Babalola, saying, “Your name is beyond tarnish. It is worth more than silver or gold, and no one can undermine it. Your legacy speaks for itself.”
The Ooni lauded Babalola’s contributions to the Yoruba race, Nigeria, and the global community, adding, “We, as monarchs, respect your decision and commitment to upholding your name. Dele Farotimi is like a son. We have resolved the matter in our own way, ensuring that your name remains intact.”
He concluded, “Our ethos as Yoruba people compels us to unite in matters like this. We have done the needful. Enough is enough; the issue has been resolved.”
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