Following the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and several other prominent Yoruba monarchs, Aare Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has agreed to drop all criminal defamation charges against human rights activist, Mr. Dele Farotimi.
The monarchs arrived at Afe Babalola University, located on the outskirts of Ado-Ekiti, around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday and proceeded to a closed-door meeting with the legal luminary, who warmly received them.
Among the Yoruba traditional rulers accompanying the Ooni of Ife were the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe; the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba Ilori Faboro; the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Alagbado; the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju; the Ajero of Ijero, Oba Adewole Adebayo; and the Alaaye of Efon Alaaye, Oba Emmanuel Agunsoye II.
By 11 p.m., the monarchs emerged from the meeting and invited journalists, who had been waiting outside, for a briefing on the outcome of their discussion.
The case stemmed from allegations in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, where he accused Aare Afe Babalola of corrupting the judiciary.
Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, the Ooni of Ife emphasized the importance of adopting traditional methods of conflict resolution, which were highly effective in the past.
He stated, “We came to appeal to Aare Babalola to forgive his son, Dele Farotimi. We request that he withdraws the criminal charges against Farotimi.
“Aare Afe Babalola, you are an elder statesman who has achieved so much in life. You are a beacon of excellence, a rare gem, and a God-fearing individual. Your commitment to the Yoruba ethos of Omoluwabi is a value we deeply respect.
“This principle of forgiveness and understanding is what we are invoking to address the disagreement between you and your son, Dele Farotimi. Your contributions to the Yoruba people and Nigeria at large have solidified your legacy as a great elder statesman whose name will never be forgotten.
“We, as traditional rulers, have come together to appeal to your sense of fatherhood and forgiveness. Dele Farotimi is your son, and we urge you to forgive him and withdraw the criminal charges.”
The intervention by the Yoruba monarchs underscores the enduring role of traditional rulers in resolving conflicts and fostering unity.
