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Osamagbe Imadiyi
The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola, has consented to drop all criminal defamation lawsuits against human rights activist Mr. Dele Farotimi after being urged to do so by Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, and other notable Yoruba monarchs.
At around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, the traditional leaders arrived at the Afe Babalola University campus, which is situated outside of Ado-Ekiti. They were met behind closed doors by the legal luminary who was present to greet them.
The Ooni of Ife was accompanied by other notable Yoruba traditional leaders, including Oba Rufus Adejugbe, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti; Oba Ilori Faboro, the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti; Oba Adejimi Alagbado, the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti; Oba Michael Ademolaju, the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti; Oba Adewole Adebayo, the Ajero of Ijero; and Oba Emmanuel Agunsoye II, the Alaaye of Efon Alaaye.
Around 11 p.m., they adjourned the meeting and invited reporters who were waiting outside, anxious to learn what had happened inside, to a briefing.
Recall that the elder statesman was accused of corrupting the judiciary by Farotimi in his book “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.”
Speaking at the meeting on behalf of other traditional rulers, the Ooni of Ife stated that using the old-fashioned techniques of alternative dispute resolution to settle disagreements has become crucial.
According to him: “We came to ask Aare Babalola to pardon his son, Dele Farotimi. He should drop the criminal charges against Farotimi, that is what we want.
“Aare Afe Babalola, you are a wise elder who has witnessed everything. You are an outstanding man of distinction and one of the nation’s most recognizable voices. An exceptional individual, you are a devout elderstateman who has excelled in everything you have touched in your life. Most importantly, you are among those who advocate for the Yoruba ethos of Omoluwabi, which has been your greatest asset in our nation.
“We are using this to slow down the interaction between you and your son, Dele Farotimi.” You are an outstanding Yoruba elder statesman, and we are proud of you. You have accomplished so much for Nigeria and this race that people will always remember you. As the traditional rulers, we have gathered to talk about this gentleman and this problem with you. You must pardon Dele Farotimi and drop the criminal charges against him since he is your son”.
The renowned lawyer responded by saying that after the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, and other important traditional leaders in the nation intervened, he chose to drop the charges against Farotimi.
He stated: “For this issue, the Ewi of Ado has come to meet with me; former President Obasanjo has stepped in.” This evening, Bishop Matthew Kukah and numerous other notable Nigerians will also be asking for the same thing you have come for. I have always said no to them, but today I am saying yes”.