Renowned legal luminary, Afe Babalola SAN, has consented to withdraw the defamation case he filed against activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, following a heartfelt intervention by prominent Yoruba leaders.
The decision came after a delegation led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, visited Babalola at his residence in Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) on Sunday night, January 26. The Ooni, accompanied by other top Yoruba traditional rulers, pleaded with the elder statesman to reconsider the case.
Arriving at ABUAD around 10:30 PM, the delegation included the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, and Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, among others.
The defamation case, filed at an Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court, stemmed from alleged defamatory statements in a publication by Farotimi. Addressing the issue, the Ooni expressed the collective concern of Yoruba leaders and emphasized their desire for reconciliation, urging Babalola to pardon Farotimi.
Acknowledging the plea, Babalola revealed he had received numerous appeals from influential Nigerians urging him to drop the case. Reflecting on the situation, he said, “There is nothing I am going to gain from his imprisonment or any damages. My happiness comes from giving and making a difference.”
The elder statesman further explained that although he was deeply hurt by the publication, he chose to yield to the intervention of the traditional rulers. “When Obasanjo wrote, I declined. When Bishop Kukah called and came, I still said no. But this time, I say yes. I will instruct my lawyers to withdraw the case.”
The meeting also featured the presence of the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and several other monarchs, who praised Babalola for his wisdom and legacy, urging him to continue serving as a beacon of leadership in the Yoruba community.