How Ooni, five monarchs persuaded Babalola to discontinue Farotimi’s case

It was learned that the Ooni of Ife, Enitan Ogunwusi, led five other high-ranking traditional rulers to Babalola’s Ado-Ekiti residence yesterday night.

The delegation included the Ewi of Ado, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi III; the Ajero of Ijero, Oba Adewole Joseph Adebayo; the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Samuel Adejinmi Adu; the Alaaye of Efon Alaaye, Oba Dr. Emmanuel Aladejare Agunsoye II; and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ilori Faboro, who also serves as Chairman of the Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers.

Farotimi was arrested by Ekiti State police in December at his Lagos office and transported to Ekiti for prosecution.

The charges stemmed from his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, in which he alleged that Afe Babalola had corrupted the judiciary to secure a revised Supreme Court judgment.

Farotimi, who pleaded not guilty, was remanded in prison for three weeks before being granted bail.

During the meeting, the Ooni and the other monarchs urged Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, to forgive Farotimi and withdraw the charges.

Members of Babalola’s legal team were also present.

According to the Ooni’s spokesman, Moses Olafare, Babalola initially resisted similar appeals from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and other prominent figures but was ultimately persuaded by the monarchs.

In the closed-door meeting, the Ooni described Babalola as a revered elder statesman and a symbol of Yoruba values, emphasizing the need for forgiveness.

He urged Babalola to see Farotimi as a “tough son” who still deserved a father’s compassion.

Babalola, moved by the intervention, agreed to forgive Farotimi and directed his lawyers to withdraw the case immediately.

He expressed pride in his Yoruba heritage and acknowledged the significance of the traditional rulers’ visit.

“Today is important for me as a Yoruba man. The Ewi of Ado and other prominent figures have intervened before, but I said no. Now, with your visit, I say yes. I forgive Dele Farotimi, and I will withdraw the charges,” Babalola stated.

Addressing allegations of corruption, Babalola maintained his integrity, citing instances where he rejected government appointments and financial rewards.

He emphasized his commitment to honesty and transparency, dismissing claims that he had won cases through corrupt means.

“I gain nothing from his imprisonment or damages. I am content managing what I already have. Dele Farotimi is forgiven,” he concluded.