Renowned legal icon and elder statesman, Afe Babalola, has announced his decision to withdraw the criminal defamation suit filed against rights activist, Dele Farotimi.
Babalola had previously sued Farotimi at an Ado Ekiti Magistrates’ Court, alleging that a book authored by the activist defamed his character. However, the decision to drop the case followed a visit by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to Babalola’s residence at Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), on Sunday night.
The Ooni, accompanied by prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, arrived at ABUAD around 10:30 pm to appeal to the elder statesman. Among the delegation were the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, and the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, among others.
During the meeting, Babalola revealed that he had received numerous calls and letters from prominent Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Hassan Kukah, urging him to withdraw the case. He stated that the pleas from the visiting traditional rulers had convinced him to drop the suit, emphasizing that he had nothing to gain from Farotimi being jailed.
“I will direct my lawyers to withdraw the case,” Babalola assured the delegation.
Earlier, the Ooni of Ife highlighted the importance of Yoruba unity and expressed the need to resolve the matter amicably. He praised Babalola for his integrity and contributions to society, urging him to forgive Farotimi.
The meeting concluded around midnight with Babalola agreeing to withdraw the suit.
DAILY POST recalls that Babalola had taken Farotimi to court over alleged defamatory statements in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. Farotimi was previously granted bail in the sum of N30 million.
