JUST IN: Afe Babalola withdraws charges against Dele Farotimi

Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, has agreed to withdraw the criminal defamation charges against human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi.

As reported by The Nation, this decision follows appeals made by leading Yoruba monarchs, including Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, and other prominent Ekiti monarchs, who met with Babalola at the ABUAD campus. 

During the meeting, the monarchs urged the legal icon to reconsider his stance on the charges.

Among those present at the meeting were Oba Rufus Adejuyigbe, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu, the Ogoga of Ikere, and several other respected traditional rulers.

Farotimi, who faces criminal defamation and cybercrime charges in both the Ekiti State Magistrates’ Court and the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti, had been accused of influencing Supreme Court judges in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. 

The case saw Farotimi pleading not guilty, with the Magistrates’ Court granting him bail at N30 million, while the Federal High Court set his bail at N50 million.

Following a closed-door discussion in Ado Ekiti, Oba Ogunwusi addressed the media, revealing that Yoruba leaders had closely followed the developments and felt compelled to appeal to Babalola on Farotimi’s behalf. 

The Ooni commended Babalola for his unwavering integrity over the years and expressed confidence that the respected legal icon would not allow his reputation to be tarnished.

“We are coming together as a race to take this matter from you. Baba, you have told the world, and they have heard you clearly. Nobody can tarnish your name. You have fought to maintain your integrity, and we are proud of you,” Oba Ogunwusi stated, emphasizing the collective appeal of the Yoruba people.

Babalola, in response, revealed that he had received several appeals, including from former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Mathew Kukah, but had previously rejected their requests. 

However, he acknowledged the intervention of the monarchs and agreed to withdraw the charges, stating that he had nothing to gain from Farotimi’s imprisonment.

“There is nothing to gain from suing him. My joy comes from giving, not accumulating wealth,” Babalola explained. “While I initially rejected the appeals, today, I have decided to say yes.”

The elder statesman confirmed that he would instruct his legal team to discontinue the case in court, bringing an end to the legal battle.