Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, the founder of Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), has decided to withdraw the criminal defamation charges against human rights activist Mr. Dele Farotimi, which he had previously initiated.
This decision came after prominent Yoruba monarchs, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other distinguished leaders from Ekiti, urged Babalola to reconsider during a meeting held at the university’s campus.
It is important to note that an Ekiti Magistrate Court had recently granted Farotimi bail set at ₦30 million in connection with the charges brought against him by Babalola.
Speaking to reporters late Sunday night, the Ooni of Ife mentioned that Yoruba leaders had been closely monitoring the situation and felt compelled to ask Aare Babalola to forgive Farotimi, whom he referred to as his son. He praised Babalola for his long-standing integrity, emphasizing that no one could undermine his reputation.
The Ooni stated: “Your name is worth more than silver and gold. That’s what you have dedicated your life to. The world recognizes that you take your name seriously. You have worked hard to uphold it, and it cannot be diminished. Dele Farotimi is your son, and you have conveyed that a name is of great value.”
In response to the monarchs’ appeal, Babalola acknowledged that he had received various letters and calls regarding the matter, including from well-known figures like former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Kukah, although he had initially declined their pleas.
Babalola expressed that he had nothing to gain from Farotimi’s imprisonment and, after the intervention of the Ooni and other monarchs, felt he had no choice but to comply with their request.
He confirmed that he would direct his legal team to withdraw the case. Other notable monarchs present at the meeting included the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejuyigbe; the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu; and several others from the Ekiti region.
