In a significant development, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), has announced his decision to withdraw the criminal defamation cases filed against human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi. This decision was reached in the early hours of Monday after an intervention by prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The pivotal meeting, held at ABUAD, brought together leading Yoruba monarchs, who appealed for reconciliation in the matter.
The legal dispute stemmed from allegations made by Farotimi in his book, *Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System*, where he reportedly accused Babalola of corruption, among other claims. Following these allegations, Babalola petitioned the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, leading to Farotimi’s arrest and subsequent arraignment in two courts in Ekiti State. He faced charges of criminal defamation at an Ekiti State Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti and cyberbullying at the Federal High Court in the Ado Ekiti Division.
The intervention of the Yoruba traditional rulers played a decisive role in resolving the matter. The meeting was attended by prominent monarchs, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; 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.
Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, the Ooni of Ife emphasized the sanctity of Babalola’s reputation, assuring him that his legacy remained unblemished. “Your name is worth more than silver and gold. No one can damage your legacy. The world has seen your immense contributions to humanity,” the Ooni stated.
The monarchs urged Babalola to consider the communal values of Yoruba culture, reminding him that Farotimi, irrespective of the allegations, was still a “son of the land.” They praised Babalola’s respect for traditional institutions and his decision to honor their plea for reconciliation.
In response, Babalola expressed his initial reluctance to withdraw the cases, noting the personal hurt he felt over the allegations, particularly claims that he won cases through corrupt means. However, he acknowledged the gravity of the monarchs’ appeal and the collective efforts of other eminent personalities, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, who had also urged reconciliation.
“I have nothing to gain from his imprisonment or damages. I am not in pursuit of wealth but in pursuit of using what I have for the benefit of others. The only time I am truly happy is when I give,” Babalola remarked. He expressed gratitude to the monarchs, stating, “Thank you, Kabiyesis. I will instruct my lawyers to withdraw the case.”
Following his release after spending 21 days in detention, Farotimi shared a heartfelt message, reflecting on his experience and the overwhelming support he received from Nigerians. In a video titled *The Road to Freedom*, he expressed gratitude to those who rallied behind him, stating that their collective voice was instrumental in preventing him from becoming another victim of systemic oppression.
Farotimi acknowledged the divisive tendencies in Nigerian society, where ethnic and religious affiliations often overshadow humanity. “Because you didn’t see me as a Yoruba man or a Christian, you spoke for me. It was your collective voice that ensured Nigeria couldn’t happen to me,” he said tearfully.
He highlighted the power of unity and collective action, urging Nigerians to rise above divisions. “We stopped being human because we became Nigerians. They divided us, and we fell for it. But you found your voice, and in our collective strength, I couldn’t be silenced,” he said.
Farotimi further reflected on the spiritual significance of his 21 days in captivity, describing it as a period of transformation and renewal. “A full cycle of life, a full cycle of nature—it pleased God that I should endure this for 21 days,” he said.
