According to PUNCH, Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University in Ado Ekiti, has dropped his lawsuits against activist and attorney Dele Farotimi. In a book called Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, Babalola accused Farotimi of slandering him.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
The book alleged corruption in the legal system, including claims against Babalola.This led to Farotimi’s arrest and trials for criminal defamation and cyberbullying in Ekiti State courts.
This decision came after an appeal from the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other Yoruba monarchs.
The intervention meeting was held at midnight at ABUAD, with several Yoruba traditional rulers present.
Babalola announced his decision to drop the cases, stating that he will instruct his lawyers to withdraw the charges.
Among the monarchs present were the Ooni of Ife, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, and the Alaaye of Efon Ekiti.
Babalola explained that he initially resisted appeals from prominent figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah.
However, he changed his stance after the monarchs’ collective plea.
Farotimi had faced a 16-count charge of defamation and cyberbullying after being accused of making damaging claims about Babalola and other legal professionals in his book.
His arrest and trial had sparked public debates about freedom of expression.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
