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The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has agreed to withdraw legal cases against activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, following a plea by Yoruba traditional rulers led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
The dispute stemmed from allegations in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, where he reportedly accused Babalola of corruption. Based on a petition by Babalola to the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Farotimi was arrested and charged with criminal defamation and cyber-bullying before courts in Ado-Ekiti.
However, during a meeting held at ABUAD in the early hours of Monday, Babalola announced his decision to withdraw the cases after a midnight intervention by Yoruba monarchs, including the Ooni of Ife and other prominent traditional rulers.
In attendance were Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro (Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti), Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe (Ewi of Ado-Ekiti), Oba Joseph Adewole (Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti), Oba Adejimi Adu (Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti), Oba Michael Ademolaju (Oloye of Oye-Ekiti), and Oba Emmanuel Aladejare (Alaaye of Efon-Ekiti).
Addressing the monarchs, Babalola said, “I feel deeply hurt that someone accused me of winning my cases through corruption, despite my humble beginnings and the hard work I put into building my name. However, after this appeal by our respected traditional rulers, I will instruct my lawyers to withdraw the case. There is nothing to gain from pursuing this further.”
He acknowledged prior pleas by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, which he had rejected, but praised the monarchs’ intervention as decisive.
The Ooni of Ife, speaking on behalf of the monarchs, commended Babalola for his contributions to Nigeria and assured him that his reputation remained intact. “Your name is worth more than silver and gold. No one can tarnish it,” Ogunwusi said.
He described Farotimi as a “wayward son” and urged Babalola to show magnanimity. “In Yorubaland, we value forgiveness. You have demonstrated that your legacy is unshakable. We thank you for heeding our appeal.”
The monarchs lauded Babalola for his lifelong dedication to service and development, urging all parties to let the matter rest.