The Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola SAN, has agreed to withdraw defamation and cyberbullying cases against activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi, following intervention by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent Yoruba traditional rulers.

Babalola had earlier filed a petition against Farotimi, accusing him of defamation in the book Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, which alleged that Babalola won cases through corrupt means. The activist lawyer faced a 16-count charge and trials in two courts in Ado Ekiti for criminal defamation and cyberbullying.

At a midnight meeting held at ABUAD and attended by top Yoruba monarchs, including the Ewi of Ado Ekiti and the Alaaye of Efon Ekiti, Babalola announced his decision to drop the cases, stating, “The monarchs are here; they have appealed to me over a criminal charge involving somebody who said I was corrupt. I will tell my lawyers to withdraw the case.”

Despite previous appeals by figures such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Mathew Kukah, Babalola had refused to relent until the intervention of the Yoruba traditional institution.

The Ooni praised Babalola’s integrity, assuring him that his reputation remains untarnished. “Your name is more than silver and gold. Nobody can tarnish it,” Ogunwusi said, adding that Farotimi should be regarded as a son deserving forgiveness.

Babalola, who expressed his deep concern over the allegations, stated, “There is nothing I am going to gain from his imprisonment or damages. I am not in quest of more wealth, rather how to spend what I have for the benefit of others.”

The case withdrawal underscores the influence of the Yoruba traditional institution in mediating disputes and fostering reconciliation.