The legal icon Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has affirmed readiness to withdraw his criminal defamation suit against rights activist, Dele Farotimi, who he alleged defamed him in his book titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice system’.
Penpushing reports that Babalola’s decision to withdraw his suit followed the visit to him by the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, alongside some other notable traditional rulers who pleaded with him on Sunday night.
The meeting between the monarchs and Babalola was held at his residence at Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), while it is recalled that he had earlier sued Farotimi in an Ado Ekiti Magistrates’ Court following the book publication.
Penpushing further reports that Babalola while responding to the plead by the traditional rulers which also include Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti and Olojudo of Ido- Ekiti among others said he had received several letters as well as calls on the issue from eminent Nigerians asking him to withdraw the suit.
The elder stateman disclosed that among notable Nigerians who had earlier pleaded with him included former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Hassan Kukah, stressing that with the latest plea by the royal fathers he had no choice than to succumb.
Penpushing also reports that Babalola explained that he had nothing to gain in Farotimi being jailed, and equally assured the visiting traditional rulers that he would direct his lawyers to withdraw the case.
The Ooni of Ife speaking during the meeting pointed out that Yoruba leaders and the traditional institution had been following the development keenly, and that he and others resolved to intervene so that Babalola can pardon Farotimi, who they described as his(Babalola) son
Penpushing reports that the royal fathers at the meeting which ended at about midnight commended the legal luminary for building his integrity over the years and urged him not to relent following the development.
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