How Yoruba Monarchs Secured Afe Babalola’s Forgiveness for Dele Farotimi"

By Achimi Muktar

In a dramatic turn of events, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has agreed to drop criminal defamation charges against human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, following the intervention of prominent Yoruba monarchs.

The revered legal icon made this decision after a heartfelt appeal led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and supported by a delegation of top Yoruba traditional rulers. The high-profile meeting took place at the Afe Babalola University campus in Ado-Ekiti in the early hours of Monday.

Among the dignitaries were the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejuyigbe, the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu, and other influential Ekiti monarchs who came together to plead for clemency on behalf of Farotimi.

Farotimi had been battling allegations of criminal defamation and cybercrime, stemming from his book "Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System", where he accused Babalola of influencing Supreme Court judges. Despite his not-guilty plea, he was remanded by an Ekiti State Magistrates’ Court before being granted bail set at ₦30 million and later ₦50 million by the Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti.

Oba Ogunwusi, speaking after the closed-door meeting, emphasized the collective concern of Yoruba leaders for unity and reconciliation. He hailed Babalola as an exemplary figure whose reputation remains untainted, adding that their appeal was driven by the need to preserve harmony within the Yoruba race.

“We cannot allow any situation to tarnish the legacy you’ve built, Baba,” Oba Ogunwusi said. “Dele Farotimi is your son, and though you may not know him personally, we appeal to your fatherly heart and ethos as a Yoruba elder to let this matter rest.”

In a move that highlighted his magnanimity, Babalola acknowledged the overwhelming appeals he had received, including letters from former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah. However, it was the unity of the Yoruba traditional institution that ultimately swayed him.

“There is nothing to gain from imprisoning him,” Babalola stated. “When Obasanjo and Kukah appealed, I declined. But with the intervention of the Ooni and other respected monarchs, I can no longer say no. I have instructed my lawyers to withdraw the case.”

Babalola added that his life’s joy lies in giving and serving humanity, not seeking retribution or material gain.

A Lesson in Forgiveness

This resolution, brokered by Yoruba royalty, underscores the enduring influence of traditional institutions in conflict resolution. Babalola’s decision reflects not only his generosity but also the cultural value placed on reconciliation and collective unity.

For Farotimi, this marks the end of a legal ordeal, thanks to the royal mercy that turned potential imprisonment into an opportunity for harmony.