Renowned legal icon, Afe Babalola SAN, has decided to withdraw the defamation lawsuit he filed against Lagos-based activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi. The decision followed an intervention by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, alongside other prominent Yoruba traditional rulers.
The Ooni, accompanied by top Yoruba monarchs, visited Babalola at his Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) residence late Sunday night, January 26, to plead for clemency on behalf of Farotimi. The delegation included the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, and the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, among others.
Babalola had initiated legal proceedings at an Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court after Farotimi published a book that allegedly defamed him. According to the Ooni, Yoruba leaders and the traditional institution had been closely following the situation, prompting their decision to step in. The monarch appealed to Babalola to show forgiveness, referring to Farotimi as “his son.”
Speaking during the visit, the Ooni praised Babalola for his lifelong commitment to integrity and service, urging him not to let this incident diminish his legacy.
In response to the plea, Babalola acknowledged receiving numerous letters and calls from eminent Nigerians requesting him to reconsider the case.
“If you read through the pamphlet (Farotimi’s book), you’ll see he attacked many judges by name, including Supreme Court justices. None of them has taken action, but I felt compelled to act because of my journey—starting life on a farm to where I am today,” Babalola explained.
He further emphasized that his actions weren’t driven by a desire for revenge or monetary compensation.
“There is nothing I stand to gain from his imprisonment or from any damages awarded. I am not seeking wealth but ways to give back and make a difference. My greatest joy comes from helping others,” he said.
Babalola then expressed his gratitude to the Ooni and the traditional rulers, agreeing to withdraw the case.
“When former President Obasanjo and Bishop Kukah reached out, I said no. But today, I say yes, Kabiyesi. I will instruct my lawyers to withdraw the case,” he concluded.
The meeting underscored the respect and influence Babalola commands in Nigerian society. It was attended by notable traditional rulers, including the Chairman of the 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; and the Alaaye of Efon Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare.