By Ayomide Otitoju
The founder and chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, has withdrawn all criminal charges against human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi following the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent traditional rulers.
Babalola announced the decision on Sunday, stating that he was compelled to heed the counsel of the revered traditional leaders. He emphasized the significance of respecting the authority of Yoruba monarchs, describing their words as commands that must be obeyed.
Speaking to journalists, Babalola expressed his disappointment over the allegations made in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, which accused the senior lawyer of corrupting the judiciary. Despite the gravity of the claims, Babalola said he saw no benefit in pursuing imprisonment for Farotimi.
“I rejected an oil block, defended the EFCC law, and turned down ministerial nominations twice. Why would anyone try to tarnish all I have labored for?” Babalola lamented. “I have nothing to gain from his imprisonment. I am happy each time I give.”
The Ooni of Ife praised Babalola for his contributions to the Yoruba race, Nigeria, and the world, urging him to consider forgiveness in the matter. “We Obas discussed the issue with him, and he gave full respect to the traditional institutions by agreeing to withdraw the charges,” the Ooni said.
Describing Farotimi as a “son,” the Ooni added, “As Yoruba elders, when our children offend us, we spank them but also forgive them.”
While Babalola has dropped his charges, other lawyers mentioned in Farotimi’s book have indicated their intention to continue pursuing their defamation cases. Speaking off the record to Channels Television, some of these lawyers confirmed that they were defamed in the book and would deliberate further before issuing a joint statement on their next steps.
The development highlights the influence of traditional institutions in mediating conflicts and underscores the continued respect for Yoruba cultural values.
