Renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Afe Babalola, has announced his decision to withdraw the defamation suit filed against human rights advocate Dele Farotimi. The development follows interventions by notable figures, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent traditional rulers.
The case originated in December 2024 when Farotimi was arrested in Lagos and taken to Ekiti State. He was subsequently remanded by the Ekiti State Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti for 21 days on charges of “criminal defamation” related to his book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. Farotimi was granted bail on December 24 after meeting the court’s conditions, which included a N30 million bond.
Speaking at the Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) in Ado-Ekiti, Babalola revealed that his decision to drop the lawsuit came after persistent appeals from eminent Nigerians and traditional rulers. Among those who intervened were former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.
“I have received countless letters and calls from highly respected Nigerians, including former President Obasanjo and Bishop Kukah, urging me to reconsider the case,” Babalola stated. “Following the heartfelt intervention of the Ooni of Ife and other first-class traditional rulers during a midnight meeting, I have decided to direct my lawyers to withdraw the case. I stand to gain nothing from Dele Farotimi’s imprisonment.”
The Ooni of Ife, who spoke during the meeting, praised Babalola for his integrity and wisdom in addressing the issue. Oba Ogunwusi acknowledged that Yoruba leaders and the traditional institution had been monitoring the situation closely and collectively decided to mediate.
“As Yoruba leaders, we felt the need to intervene in this matter,” Ogunwusi said. “We see Dele Farotimi as one of our sons, and we are grateful to Chief Afe Babalola for demonstrating magnanimity in resolving this issue.”
The Ooni also commended Babalola for his contributions to justice and education in Nigeria, urging him to remain steadfast in his principles.
This resolution marks a peaceful end to what could have been a prolonged legal battle and highlights the role of traditional institutions and respected elders in fostering harmony within the society.
