Afe Babalola Drops Defamation Suit Against Dele Farotimi Following Monarchs’ Intervention

Following the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent Yoruba monarchs, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, has agreed to drop all criminal defamation suits against human rights activist Dele Farotimi.

In a statement, the legal luminary explained that the decision to drop the charges came after Ooni Ogunwusi, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and other respected Nigerian leaders intervened on his behalf.

Babalola’s Decision to Forgive Farotimi

Aare Babalola shared that initially, he had declined all prior appeals to withdraw the charges but had a change of heart after the intervention of traditional leaders.

“The Ewi of Ado and others came to meet me about this matter, and I was approached by many, including Bishop Matthew Kukah, and others, but my response was ‘no’. However, today, I say ‘yes’,” he remarked.

He reflected on his long-standing position of rejecting any involvement in corruption, emphasizing that he has always upheld integrity, having rejected oil bloc offers and ministerial appointments in the past.

“I don’t want anyone to say I made my wealth through corruption,” he stated. Despite this, he acknowledged that Farotimi’s allegations of corruption were an attempt to defame him.

However, Babalola clarified that he is not after more wealth but is focused on managing what he already has. He expressed that there would be no gains from imprisoning Farotimi, leading him to forgive the activist.

“On this occasion, I say yes. I forgive Dele Farotimi,” he concluded.

Obi Applauds Babalola’s Gesture

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, praised Babalola’s decision to drop the charges, stating that it reflects his commitment to finding peaceful solutions to conflicts.

Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, clarified that Obi’s visit to Afe Babalola was not aimed at begging for Farotimi’s pardon, but was part of a broader effort to facilitate dialogue and conflict resolution.

“Obi’s actions were driven by his belief in the power of constructive engagement,” Umar explained, noting that Obi saw this as a chance to mediate for a positive outcome.

Obi welcomed Babalola’s decision to forgive Farotimi, calling it a testament to the power of dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.

Afenifere Commends Babalola, Monarchs for their Role

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, also expressed its commendation for Babalola’s decision.

Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, lauded Babalola for demonstrating the Omoluabi values of respecting elders and making decisions for the collective good.

Ajayi stated, “Afe Babalola has demonstrated the core values of being an Omoluabi—he came to defend his reputation but chose to drop the case after being appealed to by prominent Yoruba monarchs.” He added that Babalola’s gesture is highly commendable and reflects his wisdom and respect for Yoruba traditions.

Afenifere also praised Ooni Ogunwusi and other traditional rulers for their bold intervention, calling it a shining example of the role of Obas in promoting peace and unity in society.

“The role our Obas play in preserving our culture and resolving conflicts cannot be overstated,” Ajayi emphasized.