Ekiti, Nigeria, – Aare Afe Babalola SAN, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), has agreed to withdraw defamation cases against human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi. The decision follows a petition by Babalola to the Ekiti State police commissioner, alleging that Farotimi defamed him in his book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.” Farotimi was subsequently arrested and arraigned before two courts in Ekiti last year.
Farotimi faced charges of criminal defamation before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court and cyber-bullying before the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti. The magistrate court adjourned the case until February 13, while the federal high court set a hearing for January 29.
The resolution came after a midnight meeting on Monday with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other top traditional rulers. Attendees included the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, 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.
Babalola, a nonagenarian, emphasized the value of the Yoruba traditional institution and acknowledged the monarchs’ appeal over the criminal charge. He expressed his dismay at Farotimi’s accusations of corruption and initially rejected appeals from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Catholic Bishop Mathew Kukah, and Oba Adejugbe to withdraw the cases.
Babalola stated, “There is nothing I am going to gain from his imprisonment or damages. I am not in quest of more wealth, rather how to spend what I have for the benefit of others. The only time I am happy is when I give.” He added that he would instruct his lawyers to withdraw the cases following the monarchs’ appeal.
The Ooni of Ife, speaking on behalf of the Yoruba monarchs, assured Babalola that his name could not be tarnished and praised his contributions to the development of the Yoruba people, Nigeria, and the world. Ogunwusi emphasized the importance of unity and respect within the Yoruba race and expressed gratitude for Babalola’s decision
