Details have emerged on how six prominent Yoruba monarchs, led by the Ooni of Ife, Enitan Ogunwusi, successfully persuaded the renowned legal figure Afe Babalola to withdraw his criminal defamation case against human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
The Ooni, along with five other senior traditional rulers, traveled to Babalola’s residence in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday night to seek a resolution.
The delegation included the Ewi of Ado, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi III; Ajero of Ijero, Oba Adewole Joseph Adebayo; Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Samuel Adejinmi Adu; Alaaye of Efon Alaaye, Oba Dr. Emmanuel Aladejare Agunsoye II; and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, who also serves as the Chairman of the Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ilori Faboro.
Arriving in Ado-Ekiti shortly after 10 p.m., the monarchs began a closed-door discussion with Babalola, urging him to forgive Farotimi and drop the charges against him.
The intervention followed an earlier incident in December when Farotimi was arrested by the police in Ekiti State and charged for allegedly defaming Babalola in his book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,” where he accused the lawyer of judicial corruption.
Despite receiving previous appeals from notable figures such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah to withdraw the case, Babalola initially remained firm in his decision to press charges.
However, the traditional rulers presented a compelling case, emphasizing Babalola’s role as an elder statesman and his significant contributions to society.
In the meeting, the Ooni spoke highly of Babalola, praising his character and achievements.
“Aare Afe Babalola, you are an elder statesman, one of the iconic voices in this country. You are a rare breed, a God-fearing man, and a champion of the Yoruba ethos of Omoluwabi,” the Ooni said.
“We have all come together as traditional rulers to ask that you forgive Farotimi and withdraw the criminal charges. He is your son, and as a father, you must pardon him.”
Moved by the appeal, Babalola reflected on the intervention and agreed to forgive Farotimi.
He acknowledged the tradition of Yoruba elders intervening in disputes and expressed his pride in being part of such a rich cultural heritage.
In his remarks, Babalola also highlighted his rejection of corrupt practices throughout his career, including turning down lucrative government offers and ministerial positions.
He stated, “I have always sought to maintain my integrity. I rejected an oil block, ministerial appointments, and other rewards because I didn’t want anyone to say I achieved success through corruption.”
Addressing the issue of Farotimi’s defamation, Babalola added, “I am not seeking more wealth. I am not interested in his imprisonment or damages. I simply want peace and for my name to be respected.”
Ultimately, Babalola declared that he would instruct his lawyers to immediately withdraw the charges, marking a significant moment of reconciliation.
“Today, my answer is ‘yes,’” he concluded, affirming his decision to forgive Farotimi and put the matter to rest.
