Aare Afe Babalola SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), has agreed to withdraw defamation and cyberbullying cases filed against activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi.

This decision followed the intervention of prominent Yoruba monarchs, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
The resolution was reached during a late-night meeting at ABUAD, attended by several traditional rulers, including the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro; the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole; and the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu.
Babalola had earlier filed criminal charges against Farotimi for alleged defamation in his book Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. In the book, Farotimi accused Babalola of corruption and unethical practices in securing legal victories. This led to Farotimi’s arraignment in two courts in Ekiti State.
Despite earlier appeals from figures such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah, and Oba Adejugbe, Babalola had initially refused to drop the case. He explained that the accusations deeply hurt him, given his life’s work and reputation.
“I felt so bad that he accused me of corruption. If you go through the pamphlet, you will see he attacked many judges by name. None of them is bothered, but I am, because of how I started life,” Babalola said.
He further added, “There is nothing I am going to gain from his imprisonment or damages. I am not in quest of more wealth but to use what I have for the benefit of others.”
During the meeting, Oba Ogunwusi, speaking on behalf of the monarchs, appealed to Babalola to forgive Farotimi, emphasizing that his reputation remained intact.
“Your name is more than silver and gold. Nobody can tarnish your name. You have proven to the world that you cherish your name,” Oba Ogunwusi said.
Acknowledging Babalola’s significant contributions to society and Yoruba culture, the monarch added, “Dele Farotimi is your son. Some children are tough, some are soft. We, as traditional leaders, have combined forces and resolved the matter in our own way.”
Moved by their appeal, Babalola agreed to withdraw the cases, expressing his gratitude to the monarchs. “Thank you, Kabiyesis. I will speak to my lawyers to withdraw it,” he said.
The resolution highlights the influential role of traditional leaders in fostering peace and reconciliation, particularly in matters involving prominent individuals within the Yoruba community.