Afe Babalola, a prominent legal figure, has announced his decision to withdraw the criminal defamation suit he filed against rights activist Dele Farotimi.
Gatekeepers News reports that the suit was initiated in response to claims made in Farotimi’s controversial book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,’ which led to proceedings in an Ekiti Magistrates’ court and resulted in a bail amount of N30 million for Farotimi.
Babalola’s change of heart came after a visit from the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Sunday night.
Accompanied by renowned Yoruba traditional rulers, including the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, and Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, the Ooni met with Babalola at Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti around 10:30 p.m.
During the meeting, Babalola shared that he had received numerous letters and calls from respected Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Governor Peter Obi, and Bishop Hassan Kukah, urging him to withdraw the suit.
He expressed his reluctance to continue the legal battle, emphasising that he saw no benefit in Farotimi facing imprisonment.
In response to the traditional rulers’ pleas, Babalola assured them that he would instruct his lawyers to withdraw the case.
The Ooni commended Babalola for his integrity and encouraged him to continue his positive contributions, emphasising the importance of resolution in the matter.
