Aare Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University in Ado Ekiti, has agreed to withdraw the criminal defamation charges against renowned Human Rights Activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
This development follows appeals from several prominent Yoruba monarchs, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other notable Ekiti rulers, who met with Babalola at ABUAD campus to urge him to drop the charges.
Among the monarchs present at the meeting were the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejuyigbe, the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu, and the Oloye of Oloye Ekiti, among others.
Farotimi is facing charges of criminal defamation and cybercrime in both the Ekiti State Magistrates’ Court and the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti.
These charges stem from allegations made in his book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,” where Farotimi accused Babalola of influencing Supreme Court judges.
Upon pleading not guilty, the Magistrates’ Court had remanded Farotimi and granted him N30 million bail, while the Federal High Court granted him N50 million bail.
Yoruba Monarchs Intervene
In a closed-door meeting with Babalola on Monday, Oba Ogunwusi, alongside other Yoruba leaders, emphasized the importance of unity in resolving the matter.
He praised Babalola for his longstanding integrity, stating that no one could tarnish his reputation. Oba Ogunwusi noted that the appeal to Babalola was made on behalf of the Yoruba race, urging him to pardon Farotimi.
“We are appealing to you, Baba, for the sake of the race. Dele Farotimi is like a son to you, even if you do not know him personally. Our elders have spoken, and we are using our traditional institutions to urge you to reconsider,” he said.
Babalola’s Response
Babalola, in response to the monarchs’ appeal, revealed that he had received similar requests from several prominent figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah, which he had previously rejected.
However, he acknowledged the weight of the request from the Ooni and other monarchs, and agreed to drop the charges against Farotimi.
Babalola expressed that he had nothing to gain from Farotimi’s imprisonment, stating, “If I sue him, there is nothing I will gain from any damages. I am not after more wealth, but rather, I am focused on how to use what I have for the benefit of others.”
He further added, “On this occasion, I say yes to your request.”
This decision marks a significant resolution in the legal battle between the two prominent figures, reflecting the influence of Yoruba monarchs in mediating conflicts within the region.
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