The Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola SAN, has agreed to withdraw criminal defamation cases filed against activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi. The decision came early Monday following a midnight meeting mediated by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent Yoruba monarchs.

Babalola had earlier petitioned the Ekiti State Police Commissioner, alleging that Farotimi defamed him in his book, Nigeria And Its Criminal Justice System. This led to Farotimi’s arrest and arraignment before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court and the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti for alleged criminal defamation and cyberbullying.

Speaking at ABUAD, Babalola announced his decision to withdraw the cases, stating, “I will tell my lawyers to withdraw the case.” He highlighted the influence of Yoruba traditional institutions, noting the intervention of monarchs such as 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, among others.

The senior advocate revealed that several appeals had been made to him, including from former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Catholic Bishop Mathew Kukah, but he initially resisted. He explained his frustration over allegations in Farotimi’s book, which he claimed attacked his integrity and accused him of corruption.

Babalola emphasized, “There is nothing I am going to gain from his imprisonment or damages. My joy comes from giving back to others. I resisted earlier appeals, but I respect the Yoruba monarchs and have decided to let it go.”

With this decision, Babalola affirmed his commitment to reconciliation, adding that he would instruct his lawyers to take necessary actions to withdraw the cases.