Prominent lawyer and elder statesman Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) has been widely praised for his decision to withdraw a defamation lawsuit against human rights activist Dele Farotimi.
The case originated from allegations that Farotimi defamed Babalola in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. Farotimi was charged with criminal defamation and cyberbullying in two Ekiti State courts and was remanded for 20 days before being granted bail in December 2024.
Babalola’s decision to end the legal proceedings followed a high-profile intervention by Yoruba monarchs, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The leaders convened a midnight meeting at Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), appealing to the senior lawyer to drop the case in the spirit of unity and reconciliation.
Responding to the intervention, Babalola announced, “I will tell my lawyers to withdraw the case,” signaling the end of the dispute.
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, praised Babalola’s gesture, describing it as an act of integrity and a demonstration of the Yoruba principle of Omoluabi (a person of good character). In a statement, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, commended the monarchs for their role, highlighting their importance as custodians of culture and mediators in disputes.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi also expressed his appreciation for the resolution. Obi, who had visited Babalola during the dispute to advocate for reconciliation, emphasized the importance of dialogue and applauded both parties for embracing peaceful resolution.
“This outcome reflects the value of constructive engagement in resolving conflicts,” Obi said through his media aide, Ibrahim Umar.
The resolution of the case is seen as a significant step in promoting peaceful dialogue and reinforcing the role of traditional institutions in resolving conflicts in Nigerian society.
