By: Bayero Ade
Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, has agreed to withdraw the criminal defamation charges against human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi.
According to The Nation, this move comes after a series of appeals from prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and several respected Ekiti monarchs, who met with Babalola at the university’s campus and urged him to reconsider the charges.
The meeting was attended by Oba Rufus Adejuyigbe, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu, the Ogoga of Ikere, and various other influential monarchs from the region.
Farotimi, who has been facing criminal defamation and cybercrime charges, is accused of making damaging claims about Babalola in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. The charges led to Farotimi’s remand by the Magistrates’ Court, where he was granted bail at N30 million. The Federal High Court also set his bail at N50 million.
Following a private meeting in Ado Ekiti, Oba Ogunwusi addressed the media, noting that Yoruba leaders were closely monitoring the situation. He revealed that they were compelled to ask Babalola to reconsider the charges, highlighting his long-standing integrity.
“Your name is untarnishable. You have spent years protecting your reputation, and we are proud of you,” Oba Ogunwusi remarked, stressing the importance of the collective Yoruba appeal for Farotimi’s release.
In response, Babalola shared that he had received multiple pleas, including those from former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Mathew Kukah, but had initially declined their requests. However, after hearing the intervention of the traditional rulers, he agreed to drop the charges.
“I have no interest in imprisoning him. My wealth isn’t my focus. What brings me joy is giving, not accumulating,” Babalola explained. “While I had earlier turned down appeals, I’ve now decided to say yes.”
The legal icon confirmed he would instruct his lawyers to withdraw the case from the courts, marking the end of the legal conflict.
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