Veteran Nigerian lawyer Afe Babalola has agreed to withdraw criminal defamation charges against human rights activist Dele Farotimi, following appeals from leading Yoruba monarchs. Farotimi had recently been embroiled in controversy over a book he authored, which allegedly defamed Babalola.
The decision, reported by The Nation on January 27, came after a heartfelt plea from prominent traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Oguwusi, and other respected monarchs from Ekiti. These leaders met with Babalola at his Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) campus on January 26, where they urged the legal luminary to drop the charges against Farotimi.
Also present at the meeting were Oba Rufus Adejuyigbe, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti; Oba Adejimi Adu, the Ogoga of Ikere; the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti; and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti.
In his statement, Babalola expressed that he would instruct his legal team to discontinue the case, adding, “I rejected an oil block and defended the EFCC law, also turning down ministerial nominees twice. I have nothing to gain from his imprisonment.”
Babalola reflected on previous pleas to drop the case, explaining that many had approached him before, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Reverend Mathew Kukah, but he had refused their requests. However, he noted, “On this occasion, I say yes.”
The Ooni of Ife, who commended Babalola for his decision, acknowledged the elder statesman’s immeasurable contribution to the Yoruba race and the world at large. He praised Babalola for his commitment to preserving his name, stating, “Your name is more than silver and gold. That is what you have lived for. The whole world has seen that you don’t joke about your name.”
The Ooni further elaborated on the significance of Babalola’s actions, emphasizing that his efforts to protect his name reflected the immense value he placed on his reputation, adding, “Dele Farotimi is your son. You have passed your message that what is in the name is silver and gold.”
BREAKING NEWS: Afe Babalola has said he is ready to withdraw his criminal defamation suit against rights activist, Dele Farotimi. pic.twitter.com/i41HrqUytB
— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) January 27, 2025
