Afe Babalola to withdraw defamation suit against Famoroti after Ooni’s intervention

The legal icon, Afe Babalola (SAN), has agreed to withdraw criminal defamation and cyberbullying cases against activist lawyer Dele Farotimi.

The resolution followed a midnight meeting at Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) early on Monday, where top Yoruba monarchs led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, appealed to the lawyer to let the matter rest.

Other monarchs that made the trip to Ado Ekiti for the peace meeting were – Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro (Olojudo of Ido Ekiti), Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe (Ewi of Ado Ekiti), and Oba Joseph Adewole (Ajero of Ijero Ekiti).

The case stemmed from Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, where he accused Babalola of using corruption to win legal battles—a claim that deeply hurt the senior advocate.

“I felt bad because of where I started life—from the farm to where I am today,” Babalola said during the meeting.

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“There is nothing I will gain from his imprisonment or damages. My happiness comes from giving, not taking.”

The Ooni, who spoke on behalf of the monarchs, described Babalola as a pillar of Yoruba pride and global excellence.

He said: “Your name is more than silver and gold, and nobody can tarnish it. You have built a legacy that speaks for itself.

The monarch reminded Babalola that Farotimi despite his criticisms was still a “son” of the Yoruba race.

“We give birth to different kinds of children in this world—some tough, some soft, some hard,” he said. “As elders, it is our ethos to mend fences and promote unity.”

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