Defamation Drama Ends: Ooni Leads Yoruba Kings To Resolve Afe Babalola, Farotimi Rift

Defamation Drama Ends: Ooni Leads Yoruba Kings To Resolve Afe Babalola, Farotimi Rift

ADO-EKITI — The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, alongside other notable Yoruba monarchs, successfully mediated the defamation dispute between Aare Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), and human rights activist Dele Farotimi.

The delegation of traditional rulers arrived at ABUAD on Sunday evening, engaging in a closed-door meeting with Babalola, who later agreed to drop all criminal charges against Farotimi.

The monarchs present included the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe; Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba Ilori Faboro; Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Alagbado; Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju; Ajero of Ijero, Oba Adewole Adebayo; and Alaaye of Efon Alaaye, Oba Emmanuel Agunsoye II.

Background
Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, accused Babalola of judicial corruption. The allegations prompted Babalola to file a defamation suit.

Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, the Ooni of Ife emphasized the need for alternative dispute resolution methods. “Aare Babalola is a beacon of excellence and embodies the Yoruba ethos of Omoluabi. We urge him to forgive Farotimi and withdraw the charges,” he said.

Babalola’s Response
Initially resistant to pleas from former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah, Babalola relented following the monarchs’ intervention. He expressed his respect for Yoruba traditions and agreed to forgive Farotimi, stating:
“There is no gain in his imprisonment or damages. My focus is not on wealth but on managing what I already have. Dele Farotimi is hereby forgiven.”

Reactions

• Peter Obi, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, commended the peaceful resolution. Obi’s aide emphasized that Obi’s involvement aimed at promoting constructive dialogue.
• Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, praised Babalola and the monarchs for their actions, highlighting the cultural importance of respecting elders and traditional institutions.

Key Takeaways
This resolution underscores the value of traditional institutions in conflict mediation and the power of dialogue to resolve disputes amicably.

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