Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has praised the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola, for his decision to withdraw defamation lawsuits against human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi.
The defamation cases stemmed from allegations made by Farotimi in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, where he accused Babalola of corruption. Based on Babalola’s petition, Farotimi was arrested and stood trial on charges of criminal defamation and cyber-bullying before two courts in Ado Ekiti.
After interventions from prominent figures, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other top Yoruba monarchs during a late-night meeting, Babalola announced his decision to withdraw the cases.
“I will tell my lawyers to withdraw the case,” Babalola said at Afe Babalola University, adding, “The monarchs are here, they have appealed to me over a criminal charge involving somebody who said I was corrupt.”
Those present at the meeting included the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and 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; the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu; the Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju; and the Alaaye of Efon Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare.
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Babalola expressed his initial reluctance to withdraw the cases, citing the severity of the allegations. “I felt so bad that Farotimi accused me of winning all my cases through corruption; hence, I rejected all earlier appeals to take the cases out of court,” he said. He also acknowledged previous appeals from figures such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah, and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adejugbe.
Reacting to the development, Obi described the resolution as a testament to the power of dialogue.
In a statement by his media aide, Ibrahim Umar, Obi stated, “We are pleased that this matter has been resolved amicably, and we believe that this outcome is a testament to the power of dialogue and constructive engagement.
“Let me set the record straight: Obi’s visit to Afe Babalola was not about begging for pardon for Dele Farotimi, but rather a genuine effort at intervention and conflict resolution. As a leader, Obi recognises the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes, and his actions were guided by this principle.
“This decision demonstrates that Chief Babalola is also committed to finding peaceful solutions to conflicts, and we commend him for this gesture. It’s worth noting that Mr. Obi’s actions were driven by his desire to facilitate a peaceful resolution that would allow all parties to move forward positively and constructively.”
The withdrawal of the lawsuits marks a significant step toward reconciliation and a demonstration of the value of constructive engagement in resolving conflicts.
