In a surprising and magnanimous gesture, Aare Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ado-Ekiti, has officially dropped all criminal charges against Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi. This decision came after the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, who gathered in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday evening to mediate the issue.
Babalola, speaking at a press conference attended by several high-ranking traditional 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, explained that he made the decision to drop the charges after considerable pressure from these traditional institutions.
The roots of the dispute stem from Farotimi’s publication of a book titled “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System”, in which he accused Babalola of corruption within the judiciary. Babalola, a well-respected legal luminary, revealed that he had previously resisted the appeals of various individuals and groups, both locally and internationally, but eventually yielded to the request of the monarchs, who hold a revered position in Yoruba tradition. According to Babalola, the word of an Oba is a command in Yoruba culture, which played a significant role in his decision.
Babalola reflected on his past efforts to contribute positively to the nation, saying, “I rejected an oil block and defended the EFCC law and also rejected ministerial nominees twice, wondering why anyone would just wake up and try to rubbish all he had laboured for.” However, he added, “I have nothing to gain from his imprisonment; I am happy each time I give.”
Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, also addressed the gathering, thanking Aare Babalola for considering the interventions of the Yoruba monarchs and deciding to let go of the charges. The Ooni expressed admiration for Babalola’s long-standing contributions to the development of the Yoruba people, Nigeria, and the world at large. He assured the public of the Obas’ unwavering respect for Babalola’s integrity, stating that his name, which Babalola had worked so hard to build, could not be tarnished by any individual.
The Ooni further stated, “Dele Farotimi is your son. We give birth to different children in this world, and as elders, when our children offend us as Yoruba, after a little spank, we also pardon such children.” This statement emphasized the traditional Yoruba values of forgiveness and resolution of conflicts within the community.
This reconciliation marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding the relationship between Nigeria’s legal community, civil society, and traditional institutions. It highlights the influential role of the Obas in mediating disputes and fostering unity within the Yoruba people.
