HomeEntertainmentDefamation: How Ooni and Yoruba Monarchs Mediated Afe Babalola, Farotimi Feud

Entertainment

5 minute read

Defamation: How Ooni and Yoruba Monarchs Mediated Afe Babalola, Farotimi Feud

Afe Babalola Drops Defamation Suit Against Dele Farotimi After Intervention of Yoruba Monarchs

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

On Sunday evening, around 10:30 p.m., the traditional rulers arrived at the university’s campus in Ado-Ekiti, where they held a closed-door meeting with Afe Babalola, who was present to receive them.

The Traditional Rulers’ Intervention

In attendance were key Yoruba monarchs, including Oba Rufus Adejugbe (Ewi of Ado-Ekiti), Oba Ilori Faboro (Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti), Oba Adejimi Alagbado (Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti), Oba Michael Ademolaju (Oloye of Oye-Ekiti), Oba Adewole Adebayo (Ajero of Ijero), and Oba Emmanuel Agunsoye II (Alaaye of Efon Alaaye).

After about an hour of discussions, the monarchs emerged to address the waiting media.

The Issue at Hand

The defamation suit stemmed from a book written by Dele Farotimi titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’, in which he alleged that Afe Babalola had engaged in judicial corruption. Farotimi’s claims had sparked controversy, and his accusations of corruption against the elder statesman led to the legal battle.

During the meeting, Oba Ogunwusi, speaking on behalf of the other monarchs, appealed to Afe Babalola to forgive Farotimi and withdraw the criminal charges. He emphasized the importance of using traditional conflict resolution methods and highlighted the significance of Yoruba values such as Omoluwabi, which emphasizes integrity, respect, and social responsibility.

In his appeal, the Ooni of Ife said:

“We have come to ask Aare Babalola to forgive his son, Dele Farotimi. You are a man of great excellence, a godly and revered elder. We implore you to withdraw the criminal charges.”

Afe Babalola’s Response

In response, Afe Babalola expressed his decision to drop the charges, acknowledging the powerful influence of the monarchs. He also noted that numerous prominent Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah, had earlier appealed for his forgiveness, but it was only after the monarchs’ intervention that he decided to reconsider.

Babalola remarked:

“I have no desire for wealth or damages. What I want is peace. I’m not seeking any further recognition; I’m only concerned about managing the resources I have. Dele Farotimi is hereby forgiven.”

The decision was praised by Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, who welcomed the resolution. Through his media aide, Obi stated:

“This outcome demonstrates the power of dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. Afe Babalola’s decision shows his commitment to finding peaceful solutions.”

Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, also commended Afe Babalola for adhering to Yoruba principles and respecting the wishes of the traditional rulers. The organization’s spokesperson, Mr. Jare Ajayi, said:

“Afe Babalola has shown the true spirit of an Omoluabi. His decision is a noble one, reflecting the values of respect and reconciliation. We also commend the Ooni and other monarchs for their decisive intervention.”