Aare Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), has agreed to drop the criminal defamation charges against human rights activist Dele Farotimi.
This decision comes after a meeting with prominent Yoruba monarchs, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who appealed to Babalola to pardon Farotimi.
The Ooni of Ife commended Babalola for his integrity, stating that his name is “more than silver and gold.” He acknowledged that Babalola had built his reputation over the years and that no one could tarnish it.
The monarch also referred to Farotimi as Babalola’s “son,” emphasizing the need for forgiveness.
Babalola initially rejected appeals from notable Nigerians, including former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Kukah.
However, after the intervention of the Ooni and other monarchs, he decided to drop the charges, stating that he had nothing to gain from Farotimi’s imprisonment. Babalola instructed his lawyers to discontinue the case, bringing an end to the controversy.
The meeting, held at the ABUAD campus, was attended by other prominent Ekiti monarchs, including the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejuyigbe, and the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu. The resolution of the case has been seen as a victory for reconciliation and forgiveness.
