Leadnaija
Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, the founder of Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti, has agreed to drop the criminal defamation charges against human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
This came after leading Yoruba monarchs, such as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Oguwusi, along with other notable Ekiti traditional rulers, made a heartfelt appeal. They urged the legal luminary to reconsider the charges during a discussion held at the ABUAD campus.
Other distinguished rulers in attendance at the meeting included the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejuyigbe; the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu; the Oloye of Oloye Ekiti; the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti; and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, among others.Tap Here To Read Full Details
After a private meeting with Babalola in Ado-Ekiti early Monday morning, Oba Ogunwusi addressed reporters, stating that Yoruba leaders and stakeholders were closely monitoring the situation and felt it necessary to urge Aare Babalola to forgive his son, Farotimi.
He said, “We are coming together as a race to take this thing from you. Baba, you have told the world and they have heard you clearly. We can see that you have fought every battle to sustain that name you have built.
“Nobody can rubbish your name. You have proven to the world that this is what you stand for. We are very proud of you. It’s a lesson for us as a race. We want to appeal and also use our race to instruct you. It is not your wish but we are taking it because of the race.
“Dele Farotimi is your son and you might not know him. Why we are here is our ethos as a race and we cannot take anything that is so hard for you. We are using the race because our elders too have spoken. Combining traditional institutions is what we are using to take this from you.”
In addressing the monarchs’ request, Babalola noted that he had received numerous letters and calls regarding the matter, especially from prominent figures such as former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Kukah. However, he stated that he has chosen to decline their appeal.
Babalola emphasized that he stood to gain nothing from Farotimi’s imprisonment, noting that due to the involvement of the Ooni and other monarchs, he felt compelled to comply with their request.
“There is nothing I am going to gain by his imprisonment. If I sue him, there is nothing I will gain from any damages. I am not in quest of more wealth, rather, on how to spend what I have for the benefit of others. The only time I am happy is when I give.
“The request is simple. When Olusegun Obasanjo came, I said no, when Rev Mathew Kukah came, I said no. I have their letters here but on this occasion, I say yes,” he said.
