The Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola SAN, has agreed to withdraw defamation charges against human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, following a series of high-profile appeals led by Yoruba monarchs.
Recall, Babalola had filed a petition with the Ekiti State Police Commissioner, alleging that Farotimi defamed him in his book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System”. The book accused Babalola of corruption and suggested that he won his cases through unethical means. As a result, Farotimi faced criminal defamation charges in two courts—the Ekiti State Magistrate Court, Ado Ekiti District, and the Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti Division—on counts of cyberbullying and defamation. The trials were scheduled to continue on January 29 and February 13, respectively.
However, after a midnight meeting on Monday, facilitated by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and attended by prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, Babalola announced his decision to withdraw the charges. Present at the meeting were 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; and the Alaaye of Efon Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare.
The 94-year-old legal luminary explained that while he initially rejected pleas from various prominent figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah, the intervention of the monarchs swayed him. Speaking on the matter, he said, “The monarchs are here, and they have appealed to me over a criminal charge involving somebody who said I was corrupt.”
Babalola expressed his deep disappointment over Farotimi’s accusations, noting, “He accused me of corruption, of winning all my cases unethically. I felt hurt because of my life journey—from a humble farm boy to where I am today.” He added that Farotimi’s book not only attacked him but also made disparaging remarks about several judges, including those of the Supreme Court.
Despite the offense, Babalola emphasized that he had nothing to gain from pursuing Farotimi’s imprisonment or demanding damages. “There is no joy for me in his imprisonment, nor do I seek financial compensation. My focus is not on acquiring wealth but on using what I have for the benefit of others,” he said.
This decision to drop the charges highlights the influence of traditional Yoruba leadership and underscores Babalola’s commitment to reconciliation and goodwill.