Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), has decided to drop the defamation charges against human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
This follows the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, along with other influential traditional leaders in the country.
The legal luminary made the announcement on Sunday, stating that the Ooni and other respected figures had played a key role in resolving the issue.
The matter began when Farotimi published a book accusing Babalola of corruption within the judiciary.
Babalola expressed that he had no desire for Farotimi’s imprisonment and explained that he was respecting the wishes of the traditional leaders.
He also mentioned his past sacrifices and efforts for the country, highlighting that he had no personal gain from Farotimi’s punishment.
His words, “I rejected an oil block and defended the EFCC law and also rejected ministerial nominees twice, wondering why anyone would just wake up and try to rubbish all he had laboured for.
“I have nothing to gain from his imprisonment, I am happy each time I give”.
The Ooni of Ife had earlier urged Babalola to reconsider the charges, praising his contributions to society and to the Yoruba people.
The monarch described Babalola as a respected figure whose reputation should not be tarnished, noting that as elders, the traditional leaders could forgive Farotimi for his actions.
“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 traditional ruler said.
