The Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), has agreed to withdraw the defamation charges filed against human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi.

Farotimi was accused of defaming Babalola in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. Acting on a petition filed by Babalola to the Ekiti State Police Commissioner, Farotimi was arrested and arraigned last year. He faced criminal defamation charges before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti and cyber-bullying charges at the Ado Ekiti Division of the Federal High Court. Both cases were scheduled for continuation on February 13 and January 29, respectively.

Babalola’s decision to withdraw the cases followed a midnight meeting on Monday with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent Yoruba monarchs, including:

The Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro

The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe

The Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole

The Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu

The Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju

The Alaaye of Efon Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare

During the meeting, Babalola expressed his initial resistance to withdrawing the cases due to the severity of the allegations. He stated, “Farotimi accused me of winning all my cases through corruption, which is untrue. This deeply hurt me because of how I started my life—from the farm to becoming who I am today.”

Babalola revealed that despite earlier appeals from notable figures, such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, he had refused to drop the charges. However, he ultimately yielded to the collective plea of the monarchs, acknowledging their efforts to protect his reputation.

“I have nothing to gain from his imprisonment or financial damages. My happiness lies in giving back to others. Following the monarchs’ appeal, I will instruct my lawyers to withdraw the cases,” Babalola announced.

Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, the Ooni of Ife praised Babalola’s integrity and lifetime achievements, assuring him that his reputation remained untarnished. “Your name is more valuable than silver and gold, and no one can diminish it,” Ogunwusi stated.

The Ooni also emphasized the unity of Yoruba traditional institutions in resolving the matter amicably. “Dele Farotimi is your son, even if he has erred. We appeal to you as elders and custodians of Yoruba values to let this go. Your name and legacy are intact.”

The meeting concluded with the elder statesman pledging to end the legal proceedings, marking a significant resolution to the high-profile case.