Legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), has forgiven human rights activist Dele Farotimi, whom he accused of defamation.
Babalola announced this during a visit by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, alongside other prominent Yoruba traditional rulers.
Farotimi was sued by Babalola over claims made in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, alleging defamation. He had been remanded in custody before being granted bail.
During the visit, the Ooni of Ife and other monarchs appealed to Babalola to forgive Farotimi and withdraw the charges, citing Yoruba traditions of reconciliation.
Accepting their plea, Babalola stated, “I have not only forgiven Dele Farotimi but will also direct my lawyers to withdraw the case immediately. The intervention of the Ooni and the esteemed Obas holds immense significance for me.”
The Ooni, speaking on behalf of the delegation, praised Babalola’s contributions to the Yoruba race and Nigeria, describing him as a “rare breed who embodies the Yoruba ethos of Omoluwabi.”
Babalola, in his response, noted, “For someone to allege that I have won cases through corruption was a serious defamation, which is why I initially rejected appeals. However, the intervention of the Ooni and these respected Obas changed my stance.”
He concluded, “There is nothing I stand to gain from his imprisonment or damages. Dele Farotimi is forgiven, and I say YES to withdrawing the charges.”
This reconciliation underscores the importance of traditional dispute resolution in Yoruba culture and highlights Babalola’s respect for the institution of the Obas.
