Lifestyle
Afe Babalola To Withdraw Case Against Dele Farotimi
By Gideon Ayeni
Legal luminary and elder statesman, Afe Babalola, SAN, has announced his decision to withdraw the criminal defamation suit filed against rights activist Dele Farotimi.
The decision to withdraw the case against Dele Farotimi follows a visit by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent Yoruba traditional rulers to Babalola’s residence at Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD).
Babalola had taken legal action against Farotimi in an Ado Ekiti Magistrates’ Court over alleged defamatory content in the activist’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. The case had stirred significant public attention, with the court granting Farotimi bail set at ₦30 million.
During the late-night visit on Sunday, the Ooni of Ife, accompanied by other traditional rulers, including the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, and the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, appealed to Babalola to reconsider his position. The delegation arrived at ABUAD around 10:30 pm and engaged the elder statesman in discussions that lasted until midnight.
Speaking 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 drop the case. While emphasizing that he had nothing to gain from Farotimi’s imprisonment, Babalola stated that the intervention of the Yoruba traditional leaders compelled him to make a decision.
“I have built my life on integrity and goodwill. I have received appeals from respected Nigerians, including the former president and Bishop Kukah. With the Ooni and other traditional rulers here today, I have no choice but to yield to their pleas. I will instruct my lawyers to withdraw the case,” Babalola said over his dispute with Farotimi.
The Ooni, on his part, praised Babalola for his contributions to nation-building and his unwavering integrity. He referred to Farotimi as a “son of the Yoruba race” and called for forgiveness, describing the intervention as a necessary step to uphold unity and harmony within the Yoruba community.
Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us
And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG
