Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
Legal icon and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), has officially withdrawn the lawsuits filed against activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi. The decision comes after a high-profile intervention by prominent Yoruba monarchs, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, who spearheaded efforts to broker peace between the two parties.
Truth Live News gathered that the dispute began when Babalola accused Farotimi of defamation over claims in his controversial book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, which alleged that the legal luminary won cases through corrupt practices. These allegations led to Farotimi’s arrest and subsequent trials at the Ekiti State Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti for alleged criminal defamation and at the Federal High Court for alleged cyberbullying.
Despite several prior efforts at reconciliation—including attempts by Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and renowned clerics like the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah—Babalola initially stood firm in pursuing legal redress. The case appeared to escalate, as both sides showed little willingness to back down. However, the traditional Yoruba institution proved instrumental in resolving the matter.
During a late-night meeting at Afe Babalola University, attended by some of the most influential monarchs in Yoruba land, including the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, Babalola was persuaded to withdraw the lawsuits. Other prominent monarchs present included the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole; the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu; the Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju; and the Alaaye of Efon Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare.
Leading the intervention, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, played a pivotal role. Recognized as one of the foremost custodians of Yoruba culture and tradition, the Ooni appealed directly to Babalola’s sense of legacy and honor, reassuring him that his reputation remained unblemished in the eyes of the public. Describing Babalola as a father figure and a pillar of the Yoruba community, Oba Ogunwusi urged him to view Farotimi’s actions as the mistakes of a wayward son deserving of forgiveness rather than punishment.
In an emotional statement, Babalola admitted that he had initially resisted appeals for reconciliation, including those from former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other notable figures. He expressed his deep pain over Farotimi’s accusations, which he felt targeted his integrity after decades of service to Nigeria’s legal profession.
However, Babalola said he was moved by the monarchs’ appeal, emphasizing his respect for Yoruba values and their emphasis on unity and forgiveness. “After careful consideration, I have decided that I have nothing to gain from Dele Farotimi’s imprisonment or financial damages,” he stated. He added that he would instruct his lawyers to withdraw the lawsuits, signaling the end of the legal battle.
The intervention gives credence to the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in Yoruba society as mediators of conflict. The Ooni of Ife’s leadership highlights his position as a unifying figure, capable of leveraging cultural values to foster peace even in contentious disputes.
This resolution not only salvages relationships but also reinforces the importance of dialogue over prolonged legal battles. As one observer noted, “The monarchs’ involvement demonstrates the wisdom of elders and the strength of Yoruba traditions in addressing modern challenges.”
With Babalola’s decision to drop the lawsuits, the matter has been laid to rest, symbolizing the triumph of reconciliation over retribution.