The founder of Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti, also known as ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola, has made a magnanimous decision to withdraw all defamation charges against prominent human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.

This resolution came after concerted efforts by the Ooni of Ife and other eminent Obas across the country, who played pivotal roles in mediating the situation.

Farotimi had written a revealing book titled “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,” wherein he accused Aare Afe Babalola of manipulating the Judiciary and allegedly influencing Supreme Court verdicts.

These serious accusations led to Farotimi’s arrest and subsequent legal proceedings for defamation.

During an interaction with journalists at the university’s premises in Ado Ekiti, Aare Babalola expressed that the day was of significant importance to him, emphasizing his pride in his Yoruba heritage.

He appreciated the numerous traditional rulers and influential figures, both within Nigeria and internationally, like Bishop Kukah and former President Obasanjo, who had fervently urged him to show clemency towards Farotimi.

Aare Babalola stated, “As a Yoruba man, it is within my cultural obligation to heed the guidance of the traditional institutions, particularly pronouncements led by the Ooni, which have always been regarded as sacrosanct from time immemorial.”

He reflected on past noble choices, such as rejecting an oil block, supporting the EFCC law, and declining ministerial positions twice, questioning why his hard-earned reputation should be besmirched.

Expressing his altruistic philosophy, Babalola remarked, “I find joy in generosity and have nothing to gain from imprisoning him.”

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogwusi, had earlier made an earnest plea to Babalola, reminding him of the influential forces and personalities, including former President Obasanjo, who had all intervened in the dispute.

The Ooni commended Babalola for his unwavering contributions to the Yoruba community, the nation, and the broader global context, asserting that his achievements have etched his name in gold.

He stated, “The Obas collectively engaged in deliberations with him, respecting our traditional leaders fully, and he graciously concurred.”

The Ooni reiterated the impact of Babalola’s diligence in establishing his esteemed name, which must not be tarnished by anyone.

Recognizing Dele Farotimi as a fellow son of Yoruba, the monarch highlighted the cultural practice of elders lovingly forgiving their children after chastising them for wrongdoing.

The Ooni, therefore, appealed to Aare Babalola’s fatherly instincts to forgive and drop the charges against Dele Farotimi, thus reiterating the Yoruba tradition of compassion and

reconciliation.