JUST IN: How Traditional Rulers Succeeded persuading Afe Babalola to withdraw lawsuit against Dele Farotimi

Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, the renowned legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), has announced his decision to withdraw a high-profile defamation suit against human rights advocate Dele Farotimi....Read Full Article >>➤

The decision comes after an intervention by prominent traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other first-class monarchs. The case, which had drawn national attention, stemmed from allegations that Farotimi criminally defamed Babalola in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

Farotimi was arrested in Lagos in December and transported to Ekiti State, where he was remanded for 21 days by an Ado-Ekiti magistrate court. He was later granted bail on December 24, albeit with stringent conditions, including a N30 million bond.

Speaking at ABUAD, Babalola revealed that the decision to drop the charges was influenced by the intervention of respected traditional leaders and appeals from eminent Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese.

“I have received numerous letters and calls from well-meaning Nigerians on this matter,” He stated. “After careful consideration and the entreaties of our revered traditional rulers, I have decided to withdraw the case. I have nothing to gain from Farotimi’s imprisonment.”

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who led the delegation of traditional rulers, praised Babalola for his magnanimity and described the resolution as a victory for peace and unity.

“We have been closely following this matter, and as leaders, we felt it was our duty to intervene,” Ogunwusi said. “We are grateful to Chief Babalola for heeding our call to pardon his son, Farotimi. This is a testament to his integrity and commitment to the Yoruba tradition of reconciliation.”

The monarch also urged Babalola to remain steadfast in his pursuit of justice and peace, describing him as a pillar of the Yoruba community and a role model for future generations. ...Read Full Article >>➤