The renowned legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), has been widely praised for his decision to withdraw the defamation lawsuits filed against human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi. The commendations came from the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following the resolution of a long-standing legal dispute.
Babalola had accused Farotimi of defaming him in his book titled *Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System*. As a result, Farotimi faced criminal defamation charges at the Ekiti State Magistrates’ Court and cyber-bullying charges at the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti. He was detained for 20 days before securing bail in December 2024.
After interventions by prominent Yoruba monarchs, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Babalola agreed to end the legal battle. “I will tell my lawyers to withdraw the case,” Babalola announced during a midnight meeting with traditional rulers at the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD).
Afenifere, through its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, praised Babalola for embodying the Yoruba ethos of peace and reconciliation. “By heeding the calls of traditional rulers, Aare Afe Babalola has demonstrated the core values of an Omoluabi (a person of integrity),” Ajayi said. “We also commend the Ooni and other monarchs for stepping in as true elders, in line with the saying: ‘Agba kii wa loja, ki ori omo titun wo,’ meaning elders would not sit idle while a child suffers.”
The Ooni, who spoke on behalf of the Yoruba monarchs, assured Babalola that his reputation remains untarnished. “Nobody can tarnish your name. Your name is more valuable than silver and gold, and you have stood for integrity,” the monarch declared. He acknowledged Babalola’s immense contributions to Yoruba, Nigeria, and global development.
The reconciliatory meeting was attended by notable traditional rulers, including the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole; and the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu.
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Peter Obi, who had previously visited Babalola to mediate in the matter, described the outcome as a victory for peaceful dialogue. Speaking through his media aide, Ibrahim Umar, Obi stated, “This resolution is a testament to the power of constructive engagement. It’s worth noting that Obi’s visit was not about seeking pardon for Farotimi but aimed at fostering conflict resolution.”
Obi further lauded Babalola’s commitment to peace, calling his gesture a model for resolving disputes. “This decision demonstrates Chief Babalola’s dedication to finding peaceful solutions to conflicts. It allows all parties to move forward constructively,” Obi said.
Explaining his initial reluctance to drop the case, Babalola revealed he was deeply hurt by Farotimi’s allegations that he won cases through corrupt means. “I was bothered because of where I started in life, from the farm to becoming who I am today,” he explained. “There is nothing I would gain from his imprisonment or monetary damages. My happiness comes from giving.”
Babalola acknowledged earlier appeals from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and other leaders to resolve the issue, but he only reconsidered after the Yoruba monarchs’ intervention. “When Obasanjo wrote and Bishop Kukah called, I refused. But today, I say yes, thank you, Kabiyesis (traditional rulers),” he said.
The Ooni emphasized the cultural significance of resolving conflicts peacefully. “Dele Farotimi is your son, even if you don’t know him personally,” the monarch said. “As elders, it’s our duty to mediate and ensure harmony. Your name remains intact, Baba, and we thank you for your magnanimity.”
This resolution underscores the influential role of traditional institutions in fostering unity and peace within society.