In a dramatic turn of events, the Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), and renowned legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola SAN, has withdrawn the defamation lawsuits he instituted against activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi. This decision comes after a late-night intervention led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent Yoruba monarchs.
The saga began when Aare Babalola petitioned the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, alleging that Farotimi defamed him in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. The activist lawyer was subsequently arrested, leading to trials at two separate courts in Ekiti. Farotimi faced charges of criminal defamation at an Ekiti State Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti and cyberbullying at the Ado Ekiti Division of the Federal High Court.
Speaking on Monday at the ABUAD campus, Aare Babalola announced his decision to withdraw the cases. “After midnight discussions with the revered monarchs, I have agreed to instruct my lawyers to discontinue the criminal charges,” the senior advocate declared.
The high-stakes meeting was graced by an impressive lineup of Yoruba traditional rulers, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the collective power of the Yoruba cultural institution. Among those present were:
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi
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
The Alaaye of Efon Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare
During the meeting, Babalola emphasized the respect he holds for traditional rulers and the Yoruba cultural heritage, which he believes plays a crucial role in fostering peace and justice. However, he expressed deep hurt over the accusations leveled against him.
“It was disheartening to read that Farotimi accused me of winning all my cases through corruption. Such a baseless and damaging statement cuts deeply. I initially rejected all appeals to let this go, but the intervention of these revered monarchs changed my perspective,” Babalola stated.
This resolution underscores the strength of Yoruba traditional institutions in conflict resolution and their ability to bridge divides even in high-profile disputes. By withdrawing the lawsuits, Babalola has demonstrated a magnanimous spirit, paving the way for reconciliation.
As the dust settles on this contentious matter, it serves as a reminder of the enduring role of cultural diplomacy and the power of dialogue in navigating crises, even in the most contentious of circumstances.
PIONEER NEWS 