NATIONAL NEWS
Afe Babalola Drops Charges Against Dele Farotimi After Intervention By Traditional Rulers
Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State – In a dramatic turn of events, Aare Afe Babalola, renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has dropped criminal defamation charges against Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer based in Lagos.
The announcement was made Sunday evening at a press conference in Ado-Ekiti, attended by a large number of prominent traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
The charges arose from Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,” in which he allegedly accused Babalola of undermining the Nigerian judiciary.
The legal battle had sparked widespread interest, with many calling for a resolution.
The press conference, which demonstrated Yoruba traditional influence, was attended by several other monarchs, including 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. These traditional leaders were instrumental in brokering the peace.
In his speech, Aare Babalola explained that, after initially resisting numerous interventions from various individuals and groups both within and outside the country, he eventually agreed to the traditional rulers’ request.
He emphasised the significance of their intervention, claiming that “the statement of an Oba in Yoruba tradition, from time immemorial, is a command.”
Babalola expressed disappointment with the allegations, citing his contributions to society, such as rejecting an oil block, defending the EFCC law, and twice declining ministerial appointments.
He said, “I rejected an oil block, defended the EFCC law, and rejected ministerial nominees twice, wondering why anyone would just wake up and try to trash everything he had worked for.”
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, addressed the media and praised Babalola’s contributions to Yoruba land, Nigeria, and the world. He emphasised the traditional rulers’ collective effort to mediate the dispute.
The monarch emphasised the importance of reconciliation within the Yoruba community, drawing a parallel between the situation and parental discipline: “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 light spanking, we also pardon such children.”
The Ooni’s words echoed the press conference’s overall sentiment, emphasising the role of traditional authority and restorative justice in conflict resolution.
The withdrawal of the charges is a significant development, bringing an end to a highly publicised legal battle and demonstrating the significant influence of traditional institutions in Nigeria.
The event highlights the power of mediation and the weight given to the pronouncements of respected traditional leaders in Yoruba culture.
. While the details of any private settlements remain undisclosed, the public reconciliation serves as a powerful statement of unity and forgiveness.
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