Afe Babalola withdraws criminal defamation case against Dele Farotimi

The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola SAN, has agreed to withdraw the criminal defamation and cyber-bullying cases instituted against activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi.

The decision came after a high-profile intervention led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, alongside other traditional rulers during a midnight meeting at ABUAD on Monday.

Babalola had earlier petitioned the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State over allegations of defamation contained in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. The book reportedly included claims against Babalola that he described as damaging to his reputation.

Following the petition, the police arrested Farotimi, leading to his arraignment before two courts in Ekiti State. He faced charges of alleged criminal defamation at the Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti and cyber-bullying at the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti.

Speaking at ABUAD, Aare Babalola disclosed that the appeals from the traditional rulers prompted his decision to drop the cases.

“The monarchs are here; they have appealed to me over a criminal charge involving somebody who said I was corrupt,” he stated.

Explaining his grievances, Babalola highlighted how the book targeted not only himself but also several judges, including those on the Supreme Court, in what he described as unfair and unwarranted attacks.

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“If you go through the pamphlet (Farotimi’s book), you will find that he attacked many judges by name, including Supreme Court judges. None is bothered, but I am bothered because of where and how I started life, from the farm to where I am,” he said.

Babalola made it clear that pursuing the case was not about seeking damages or personal gain but about defending his legacy. However, he acknowledged that continuing the legal battle would not benefit him or society.

“There is nothing I am going to gain from his imprisonment. There is nothing I am going to gain from so-called damages. I am not in quest of more wealth, rather how to spend what I have for the benefit of others. The only time I am happy is when I give,” he said.

The legal luminary revealed that he had previously refused similar requests from other influential figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah, who had urged him to drop the case.

“When Obasanjo wrote, he came here; I said no. When Kukah phoned and came, I said no. But on this occasion, I say yes. Thank you, Kabiyesis. I will speak to my lawyers to withdraw it,” Babalola announced.

The intervention of the Ooni of Ife and other monarchs underscores the importance of traditional leadership in mediating disputes and fostering peace.

The royal appeal led to a resolution that ensured the withdrawal of both the criminal defamation and cyber-bullying cases against Farotimi, marking an end to the legal confrontation.

As Aare Babalola commits to ending the case, the development highlights his focus on philanthropy and societal impact, demonstrating his belief in reconciliation over prolonged litigation.