Nothing to Gain from His Imprisonment” – Afe Babalola Agrees to Withdraw Cases Against Dele Farotimi

Nothing to Gain from His Imprisonment" – Afe Babalola Agrees to Withdraw Cases Against Dele Farotimi

Afe Babalola, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), has withdrawn the defamation case against activist lawyer Dele Farotimi after the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other Yoruba traditional rulers. The legal battle stemmed from allegations made in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, where Babalola was accused of using corrupt means to win legal cases.

Following Afe Babalola’s petition to the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Adeniran Akinwale, the activist was arrested in Lagos and transported to Ado-Ekiti, where he faced a 16-count charge of criminal defamation and cyberbullying. His arraignment led to two separate legal proceedings—one before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court and another before the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti. However, after extensive discussions with Yoruba monarchs, Babalola decided to drop the charges, emphasizing his deep respect for traditional institutions.

Yoruba Monarchs’ Influence on the Resolution

The intervention of prominent Yoruba kings played a crucial role in resolving the dispute. The Ooni of Ife, alongside the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, led the negotiations. Other notable monarchs present at the meeting included 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.

During the late-night meeting at ABUAD, the monarchs appealed to Babalola to reconsider his stance. The Ooni assured him that his reputation remained untarnished, stating, “Your name is more than silver and gold, and you have stood for integrity. No one can tarnish your name.” Babalola, moved by the collective plea, announced that he would instruct his legal team to withdraw the charges.

Afe Babalola’s Initial Resistance and Final Decision

Before accepting the monarchs’ plea, Afe Babalola had resisted earlier appeals from high-profile figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah. He explained that Farotimi’s book did not just target him but also Supreme Court judges, yet no other individuals pursued legal action. He felt personally affected, given his humble beginnings and lifelong dedication to the legal profession.

“I am bothered because of where and how I started life, from the farm to where I am today,” Babalola stated. “There is nothing I am going to gain from his imprisonment. I am not in quest of more wealth, but rather how to spend what I have for the benefit of others.” Despite initial refusals to heed previous appeals, Afe Babalola expressed gratitude to the Yoruba monarchs for their intervention, which ultimately led him to reconsider his stance.

No Conditions Attached to Pardon

Although many speculated that conditions might have been set for Farotimi’s pardon, there is no official report indicating any such requirement. Afe Babalola clarified that his decision was solely based on respect for Yoruba traditional rulers and not due to any negotiations or agreements.

Speaking during a press briefing, he reiterated his commitment to upholding integrity, recalling past instances where he rejected oil blocks, defended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act, and declined ministerial appointments. “From time immemorial, the words of an Oba in Yoruba culture are commands,” he emphasized. “Why would anyone seek to tarnish what I’ve labored for? Still, I have nothing to gain from his imprisonment. I am happiest when I give.”

With this resolution, the case against Farotimi is expected to be formally withdrawn in court, marking a significant moment where the influence of traditional institutions helped defuse a contentious legal battle.


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