BREAKING: Afe Babalola Drops Defamation Cases Against Human Rights Lawyer Farotimi 

Renowned Nigerian lawyer Afe Babalola has withdrawn defamation lawsuits against human rights advocate Dele Farotimi, signaling an end to the legal dispute.

Aare Afe Babalola SAN, the founder of Afe Babalola University in Ado Ekiti, has decided to withdraw legal actions against activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi.

The decision reached early Monday concluded the legal dispute between the two parties.

Babalola submitted a petition to the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, alleging that Farotimi defamed him in his book titled “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System”.

As a result, Farotimi was arrested and charged with criminal defamation in the Ekiti State Magistrate Court located in Ado Ekiti District. Additionally, he faced charges of cyber-bullying at the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti.

Babalola, after the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent traditional rulers during a midnight meeting at ABUAD, announced that he had decided to withdraw the criminal case. He stated, “I will instruct my lawyers to withdraw the case.”

Present at the event were Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Olojudo of Ido Ekiti; Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, Ewi of Ado Ekiti; Oba Joseph Adewole, Ajero of Ijero Ekiti: Oba Adejimi Adu, Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti; Oba Michael Ademolaju, Oloye of Oye Ekiti; and Oba Emmanuel Aladejare, Alaaye 0f Efon.

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Babalola emphasized the significance and influence of the Yoruba traditional institution, stating, “The monarchs are present and have asked me to reconsider a criminal charge against someone who accused me of corruption.”

The senior advocate expressed deep disappointment over Farotimi’s accusation that he won all his cases through corruption. As a result, he refused previous requests to handle the cases outside of court.

He named several individuals who had urged him to resolve the issue outside of court, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Catholic Bishop Mathew Kukah from the Sokoto Diocese, and Ewi of Ado Ekiti Oba Adejugbe.

He mentioned, “When you read the pamphlet (Farotimi’s book), you’ll see that he criticizes several judges by name, including Supreme Court justices. While others might not be concerned, I am indeed troubled due to my humble beginnings and how far I’ve come from working on a farm.”

I won’t gain anything from his imprisonment or any so-called damages. I’m not seeking more wealth; instead, I want to focus on using what I have to help others. My happiness comes from giving.

The request is straightforward: to dismiss this criminal court case. When Obasanjo wrote and visited, I declined. Similarly, when Kukah called and came by, my answer was also no. However, on this occasion, I’m agreeing; thank you Kabiyesis. I’ll instruct my lawyers to withdraw the case.

The Ooni, representing the Yoruba monarchs, urged Babalola to drop the court case. He assured him that “nobody can tarnish your reputation. Your name holds more value than silver and gold, and you have consistently demonstrated its significance by ensuring it is respected.”

Ogunwusi, recognizing Babalola’s contributions to the advancement of Yoruba culture, Nigeria, and globally, stated: “As monarchs, we visited him to discuss the issue. He showed great respect towards the obas and agreed.”

As obas, we can vouch for Aare Afe Babalola’s dedication and the considerable effort he has put into establishing his reputation. His name is beyond reproach or defamation by anyone. Through his actions, Aare Afe Babalola has demonstrated to the world how much he values his good name, a message that has resonated globally.

“Baba, we wish to appeal to you and also draw upon our heritage in doing so. Dele Farotimi is one of your sons; even if you’re unfamiliar with him, it’s important to remember that we bring different kinds of children into this world—some tough, some gentle, others hard. Our presence here today stems from the values inherent in our culture.”

The Ooni stated, “We are leveraging our heritage because some of our elders in Yorubaland and beyond have voiced their concerns. By joining forces with the traditional institution, we acknowledge your message—enough is enough. Your reputation remains untarnished, and we have addressed the issue appropriately.”