Aare Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), has agreed to drop all criminal defamation charges against human rights activist Mr. Dele Farotimi, following a mediation effort led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent Yoruba monarchs.
The traditional rulers, including the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba Ilori Faboro, and several others, arrived at the ABUAD campus late Sunday evening for a closed-door meeting with Aare Babalola. The monarchs, in a unified call, sought Babalola’s forgiveness for Farotimi, urging him to withdraw the criminal charges filed against the activist.
The intervention follows a book published by Farotimi, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, in which he alleged that Afe Babalola had corrupted the judiciary.
Addressing the media after the meeting, the Ooni of Ife emphasized the importance of using traditional dispute resolution methods to resolve conflicts. “We are appealing to Aare Babalola to forgive his son, Dele Farotimi. We request that he withdraw the charges against him,” said the Ooni, highlighting Babalola’s significant contributions to the Yoruba culture and Nigeria at large. He further praised Babalola for his reputation as an elder statesman and for upholding the values of Omoluwabi.
In response, Aare Babalola acknowledged the efforts of the monarchs and other prominent figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah, who had previously intervened. Although initially resistant to the appeal, Babalola ultimately agreed to drop the charges, citing the compelling influence of the Ooni and the Yoruba monarchs.
“I’ve been asked by many, but today, my answer is yes,” Babalola stated. “I am not motivated by wealth; I seek peace, and I have no desire for more damages. I forgive Dele Farotimi.”
In the wake of the resolution, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi commended the decision, recognizing Babalola’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, emphasized that Obi’s intervention was aimed at fostering dialogue and resolving the matter constructively.
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, also praised Babalola for his gesture, noting that his decision reflected the ethos of an Omoluabi. “Aare Babalola has shown wisdom and humility, respecting the wishes of our revered traditional rulers,” said Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jare Ajayi. The organization further lauded the Yoruba monarchs for their role in facilitating the reconciliation.
This resolution marks a significant moment for both Yoruba traditional institutions and the broader Nigerian society, demonstrating the power of dialogue and mediation in resolving high-profile disputes.
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