Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, the founder of Afe Babalola University in Ado Ekiti, has decided to drop the criminal defamation charges against human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi.
This decision follows appeals from several notable Yoruba traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, along with respected monarchs from Ekiti, who convened at the university and urged Babalola to reconsider the allegations.
Among those present were Oba Rufus Adejuyigbe, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu, the Ogoga of Ikere, and other influential leaders in the area.
Farotimi has been facing charges of criminal defamation and cybercrime, stemming from accusations made in his book, *Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System*, which allegedly hurt Babalola’s reputation. As a result, Farotimi was remanded by the Magistrates’ Court, where he was granted bail set at N30 million, while the Federal High Court established his bail at N50 million.
After a private meeting in Ado Ekiti, Oba Ogunwusi spoke to the media, sharing that Yoruba leaders were closely observing the case. He stated that the leaders felt it necessary to urge Babalola to reconsider the charges, emphasizing Babalola’s long-standing integrity.
“Your name is beyond reproach. You’ve dedicated years to safeguarding your reputation, and we take pride in that,” Oba Ogunwusi noted, underscoring the collective Yoruba appeal for Farotimi’s release.
In response, Babalola revealed he had received numerous pleas, including from former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Mathew Kukah, but had initially refused their requests. However, after listening to the traditional rulers’ intervention, he chose to withdraw the charges.
“I have no desire to see him imprisoned. My wealth is not what matters to me. I find joy in giving, not in accumulating,” Babalola stated. “Although I previously declined appeals, I have now chosen to agree.”
The legal icon confirmed he would instruct his lawyers to withdraw the case from court, effectively ending the legal dispute.
