The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), has agreed to withdraw legal cases filed against activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi. The decision came early Monday following interventions by prominent Yoruba monarchs, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Babalola had petitioned the Ekiti State Police Commissioner, accusing Farotimi of defamation in his book *Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System*. The activist lawyer was arrested, arraigned on charges of criminal defamation and cyberbullying, and faced trial in both a magistrate court and the Federal High Court in Ekiti.
Speaking at ABUAD, Babalola announced his decision to drop the case after a midnight meeting with the Ooni of Ife and other traditional rulers, saying, “I will instruct my lawyers to withdraw the case.”
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The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, along with other notable monarchs, including the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, and the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole.
Babalola expressed disappointment over the claims in Farotimi’s book, which accused him of corruption and influencing court rulings. He noted that despite appeals from prominent figures such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah, he initially refused to drop the case. However, he changed his stance following the intervention of the Yoruba monarchs.
“There is nothing I will gain from his imprisonment or damages. I am not seeking more wealth, but to use what I have to benefit others. I am withdrawing this case because of the appeals from the kabiyesis (kings). Thank you for your intervention,” Babalola stated.
The Ooni of Ife, speaking on behalf of the monarchs, assured Babalola that his reputation remained untarnished. He commended Babalola’s contributions to Yoruba culture and development, saying, “Your name is more valuable than silver or gold, and it remains intact.”
The allegations against Farotimi originated from his book, where he accused Babalola and other Senior Advocates of Nigeria of using corruption to influence Supreme Court justices. Farotimi was arrested in Lagos and transported to Ado Ekiti, where he faced a 16-count charge of defamation and cyberbullying before being remanded in custody.
