Legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Afe Babalola (SAN), has withdrawn his criminal defamation lawsuit against human rights activist Dele Farotimi following appeals from the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent Yoruba traditional rulers.

Babalola made the announcement at a press conference in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday evening, which was attended by the Ooni of Ife and other distinguished monarchs, including the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe; the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba Ilori Faboro; the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Alagbado; and the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju.

Farotimi had accused Babalola of corrupting the judiciary in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

Babalola noted that he had initially resisted several appeals but ultimately yielded to the intervention of Yoruba traditional institutions, stating that in Yoruba culture, the word of an Oba is a command.

“I rejected an oil block, defended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) law, and turned down ministerial nominations twice. Why would anyone seek to tarnish all that I have worked for? However, I have nothing to gain from his imprisonment, and I find joy in giving,” he said.

Addressing journalists, the Ooni of Ife lauded Babalola for respecting the wishes of the Yoruba monarchs, acknowledging his immense contributions to the development of the Yoruba race and Nigeria at large.

Meanwhile, Afenifere commended Babalola’s decision, describing it as an embodiment of the Yoruba Omoluabi ethos. In a statement, Afenifere’s factional National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, praised the role of Yoruba traditional rulers in resolving the dispute.