Afe Babalola dropped charges against Farotimi
Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, the founder of Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti, has decided to withdraw charges against human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, who was facing serious criminal defamation charges.
This decision followed direct appeals from prominent Yoruba monarchs, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Oguwusi, along with several other key Ekiti monarchs. They convened with Babalola at the ABUAD campus, advocating for him to reconsider the charges.
Notable figures at the meeting included the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejuyigbe; the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu; the Oloye of Oloye Ekiti; the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti; and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, among others.
Farotimi was confronting charges of criminal defamation and cybercrime in both an Ekiti State Magistrates’ Court and the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti. These charges arose from claims in Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,” which alleged that Babalola had exerted influence over Supreme Court judges. Following his not guilty plea, the Magistrates’ Court remanded him, later granting bail of N30 million, while the Federal High Court set his bail at N50 million.
After a closed-door meeting with Babalola in Ado Ekiti, Oba Ogunwusi addressed the media, emphasizing the significance of the situation and the responsibility of Yoruba leaders to intervene. He made it clear that unity among leaders was essential in this matter.
Oba Ogunwusi stated, “Your integrity, Baba, is unwavering. You have built a reputation that no one can diminish. It is our duty to defend our own. Dele Farotimi is akin to your son, and we are here to advocate on his behalf because we believe it is the right course of action.”
Responding to the royal appeal, Babalola asserted that he had received numerous entreaties from influential figures, including former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Kukah. Initially, he outright rejected their requests. However, after considering the weight of the monarchs’ intervention, he recognized he had to reconsider.
Babalola stated firmly, “I stand to gain nothing from Farotimi’s imprisonment. Legal battles of this nature offer no personal advantage; my aim is to use my resources for the benefit of others. I find fulfillment in giving, not accumulating wealth. While I previously declined other appeals, on this occasion, I am choosing a different path.”
He affirmed his commitment to dropping the case, highlighting his dedication to fostering understanding and resolution within the community.
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