Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), has agreed to withdraw the criminal defamation lawsuits he filed against activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi. The decision comes after a midnight intervention by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and several prominent Yoruba monarchs.
The legal conflict began after Babalola accused Farotimi of defamation in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, where the activist alleged that Babalola, along with other senior advocates, had used corruption to influence Supreme Court decisions. In response, Babalola filed criminal charges, leading to Farotimi’s arrest and subsequent arraignment in an Ekiti State Magistrate Court and the Ado Ekiti Division of the Federal High Court for cyberbullying.
During a meeting attended by influential monarchs including Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adejugbe, and others, the Ooni, speaking on behalf of the Yoruba traditional institution, urged Babalola to reconsider his stance. In response to their plea, Babalola announced that he would instruct his lawyers to withdraw the case.
“I will tell my lawyers to withdraw the case,” Babalola stated, emphasizing the importance of his name and the personal toll the allegations had taken. Although Babalola expressed his dissatisfaction with the accusations, he acknowledged that the legal battle had not brought him any personal gain but rather had caused unnecessary conflict.
The Ooni assured Babalola that his reputation remained untarnished, acknowledging his lifetime of hard work and contributions to the Yoruba community and Nigeria as a whole. “Your name is more than silver and gold,” the Ooni said, stressing that no one could diminish the legacy of Babalola.
Babalola, reflecting on previous attempts to resolve the matter, noted that while he had previously rejected appeals from figures like former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah, the intervention of the traditional rulers had influenced his decision to let go of the case. He reiterated his commitment to serving the public good and stated that his happiness stemmed from helping others rather than seeking personal vindication.
Farotimi, who faced a 16-count charge, was initially remanded in custody following his arrest in Lagos. He was accused of defaming Babalola and engaging in cyberbullying. Despite the legal tensions, the resolution marked a moment of reconciliation, thanks to the mediation efforts of the Ooni and other respected traditional leaders.
This development comes as a significant gesture of unity and conflict resolution within the Yoruba community, underscoring the influence of the traditional institution in maintaining peace and restoring harmony among its members.
