Afe Babalola has dropped his defamation lawsuit against Dele Farotimi following the intervention of Yoruba monarchs.

In a significant demonstration of the influence of traditional institutions in Nigeria, Aare Afe Babalola SAN, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), has decided to withdraw his defamation and cyberbullying lawsuits against activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi.

This decision came after a late-night meeting on Monday, facilitated by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, along with other respected Yoruba monarchs. They urged Babalola to dismiss the charges related to allegations made in Farotimi’s book, *Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System*, which accused him of corruption.

During the meeting at ABUAD, Babalola announced, “I will instruct my lawyers to withdraw the case.” He acknowledged that, despite initial resistance to appeals from influential figures like former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah, he ultimately chose to heed the collective request from the Yoruba traditional leaders.

The high-profile gathering included several notable rulers, such as the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole; and the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu.

Babalola expressed his initial hesitation by saying, “I was deeply upset by Farotimi’s accusation that I win all my cases through corruption. I initially declined earlier pleas because I was concerned—not about money, but about my hard-earned reputation built from humble beginnings.” However, he emphasized that he had no personal stake in pursuing the case, stating, “There is nothing I stand to gain from his imprisonment or damages. My joy lies in giving and contributing to society.”

Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, the Ooni of Ife reassured Babalola that his reputation remained untarnished: “Your name is worth more than silver and gold, and no one can tarnish it,” Ogunwusi praised, commending Babalola’s contributions to Nigeria and the Yoruba people.

This intervention resolved the legal dispute that began with a petition dated November 19, 2024, in which Babalola accused Farotimi of defamation along with other Senior Nigerian advocates.

Farotimi faced a 16-count charge of criminal defamation and cyberbullying in both an Ekiti State Magistrate Court and a Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti.

Ogunwusi also emphasized the cultural significance of unity and reconciliation among the Yoruba people, stating, “Dele Farotimi is your son, and as traditional leaders, it is our duty to mediate. We have done what is necessary, and the issue has been settled.”

The withdrawal of the case highlights the enduring authority of traditional leaders in resolving disputes in Nigeria, effectively bridging the gap between contemporary legal systems and cultural traditions.