Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, on Monday lauded Aare Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University, for agreeing to withdraw the defamation suits filed against human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
The legal battle began after Babalola filed a petition with the police in Ekiti, accusing Farotimi of defamation in his book Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
Following the petition, Farotimi was arrested and charged in two courts in Ekiti State—one for criminal defamation and the other for cyber-bullying.
However, after mediation efforts involving the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and several other prominent traditional rulers, Babalola announced he would withdraw the charges.
Speaking at a meeting at ABUAD, Babalola stated, “I will tell my lawyers to withdraw the case,” referring to the criminal charges against Farotimi.
The meeting, which also included other high-ranking traditional rulers such as the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adejugbe, led to Babalola’s decision.
Babalola emphasized the influence of the Yoruba traditional institution in resolving the matter, explaining that the monarchs had intervened on Farotimi’s behalf.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria admitted that he was deeply offended by Farotimi’s accusation of corruption but acknowledged that he had received several appeals to drop the case.
Notable figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah, had previously asked him to end the legal action, which Babalola had initially resisted.
Peter Obi responded positively to the resolution of the issue, highlighting the significance of dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.
In a statement released by his media aide, Ibrahim Umar, Obi expressed appreciation for Babalola’s decision, emphasizing that it showed his commitment to resolving disputes amicably.
Obi also clarified that his visit to Afe Babalola was not to seek forgiveness for Farotimi but to assist in resolving the conflict peacefully.
Obi’s statement underscored that his actions were motivated by a belief in dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution, which he believed had led to the positive outcome.
He also commended Babalola for demonstrating a willingness to resolve conflicts constructively.
Additionally, Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, praised Babalola’s decision.
Tanko, who was Obi’s former spokesman, expressed satisfaction that the efforts of Obi and other elder statesmen had helped bring about the resolution.
He called the withdrawal of the charges a significant victory for the Nigerian people, noting that Farotimi’s criticism of the judicial system had been aimed at sparking reform rather than causing harm.
