Afe Babalola, a respected lawyer and elder statesman, has decided to withdraw his defamation lawsuit against human rights activist Dele Farotimi. The case was filed in an Ado Ekiti Magistrates’ Court after Farotimi published a book titled Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, which Babalola claimed defamed him.

This decision followed a late-night visit from the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to Babalola’s residence at Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD). The Ooni, accompanied by prominent Yoruba traditional rulers such as the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, and others, appealed to Babalola to forgive Farotimi.

During the meeting, Babalola shared that he had also received numerous letters and calls from respected Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Hassan Kukah, urging him to let the matter go. He explained that he had no desire to see Farotimi jailed and agreed to the appeals from the traditional leaders.

The Ooni of Ife commended Babalola for his contributions to society and for maintaining a legacy of integrity. He emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully and referred to Farotimi as a “son” who deserved forgiveness.

The meeting concluded with Babalola promising to instruct his lawyers to withdraw the case. This gesture highlights the significance of reconciliation and the role of traditional leaders in fostering unity.