Aare Afe Babalola SAN, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), has agreed to withdraw the defamation charges against human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, following an intervention by prominent Yoruba monarchs.
The case stemmed from Babalola’s accusations that Farotimi defamed him in his book ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.’ As a result, Farotimi was arrested and arraigned in two courts last year; one for alleged criminal defamation and another for cyber-bullying.
Despite appeals for the case to be dropped from national figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Mathew Kukah, Babalola initially resisted these calls.
He expressed that the allegations of corruption in Farotimi’s book had hurt him deeply, particularly given his long journey from humble beginnings to prominence.
However, the turning point came during a midnight meeting with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent Yoruba monarchs, including the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adejugbe, and the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu.
The monarchs emphasized the importance of unity and peace within the Yoruba community and urged Babalola to reconsider his position, highlighting that Farotimi, though outspoken, was still considered a son of the community.
In a heartfelt address, Babalola shared that he was not seeking wealth or personal gain from pursuing the legal action but was instead motivated by his desire to protect his reputation, especially after the allegations of corruption. However, the elder statesman acknowledged that there was no need to continue with the case, as his name and legacy had already been firmly established through his extensive contributions to the development of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole.
The Ooni of Ife, on behalf of the Yoruba monarchs, reassured Babalola that his name could not be tarnished, no matter the allegations made against him. He emphasized that Babalola’s contributions to society, especially in the areas of education and law, spoke for themselves. “Your name is more than silver and gold,” the Ooni said. “You have stood for your name, and we want to assure you that nobody can tarnish it.”
The monarchs reminded Babalola that Farotimi, despite the controversy, was still a part of the Yoruba community, and urged him to demonstrate compassion and understanding. “We, the obas, can attest to the hard work of Aare Afe Babalola and how he has invested so hard to build his name,” the Ooni added. “Your name cannot be tarnished or rubbished by anyone.”
In the end, the intervention of the monarchs led to a shift in Babalola’s stance. After hearing the pleas of the traditional rulers, Babalola agreed to withdraw the defamation cases against Farotimi. He promised to speak to his lawyers to formally discontinue the proceedings, acknowledging that it was more important to preserve peace and unity than to pursue further legal action.
The elder statesman’s decision was seen as a victory for traditional diplomacy and the values of Yoruba culture, which prioritize reconciliation and unity over conflict.