Aare Afe Babalola SAN, the founder of Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti, has decided to drop the criminal charges against Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
This decision was made public during a press conference in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday evening, which was attended by prominent traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Farotimi had been facing multiple charges related to his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, in which he accused Babalola of compromising the Nigerian judiciary. Other monarchs present at the press conference included the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba Ilori Faboro, the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Alagbado, and the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju.
Babalola explained that his decision to drop the charges was influenced by the intervention of several traditional rulers, notably the Ooni of Ife and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, as well as other respected figures. He revealed that while he had previously ignored other appeals, the pleas from the traditional institutions were significant. He emphasized that in Yoruba tradition, the words of a king hold great weight, describing the statement of an Oba as a command.
The legal icon also reflected on his past decisions, including rejecting an oil block and defending the EFCC law. He expressed disappointment over Farotimi’s allegations, questioning why anyone would attempt to tarnish the reputation he had worked so hard to build.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also addressed the press, appealing to Babalola to consider the many forces and personalities who had intervened in the matter. He praised Babalola for his contributions to the Yoruba people, Nigeria, and the world, stressing that Babalola’s name and legacy could not be tarnished by anyone. The Ooni also likened Farotimi to a child of the Yoruba people, stating that, like any elder, after a correction, forgiveness should be extended.
“We all came together to discuss the matter with him and he gave all the full respect to the Obas and agreed.
“We Obas can attest to the hard work of Aare Afe Babalola and how he had invested so hard to build his name and that can not be tarnished and rubbished by anyone.
“Aare Afe Babalola has proven to the world that he cherished his name and the world has heard him loud and clear.
“Dele Farotimi is your son, we give birth to different children in this world and as elders when our children offend us as Yoruba after a little spank, we also pardon such children,” the Oba said.
