Aare Afe Babalola Withdraws Defamation Case Against Dele Farotimi: A Testament to Reconciliation in the Legal Community



In a significant development, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, the esteemed founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, has agreed to withdraw the legal actions initiated against activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi. This decision comes after concerted efforts by notable figures who intervened to mediate the dispute.

The conflict originated from allegations of defamation against Farotimi, stemming from his book, "Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System," where he purportedly made statements implicating Afe Babalola and his law firm in unethical practices. In response, Babalola's legal team filed petitions seeking disciplinary actions against Farotimi. 

However, the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) dismissed the petition, stating that the alleged offenses were related to Farotimi's role as an author and not his conduct as a practicing lawyer, advising that grievances be addressed through regular courts. 

Following this, respected individuals within the legal community and other stakeholders in the likes of Traditional leaders within South West region lead by Oni of Ife and other monarchs approached Aare Afe Babalola, appealing for an amicable resolution. Moved by these appeals and in the spirit of fostering unity within the legal profession and Nigeria at large, Babalola consented to withdraw the cases against Farotimi.

This gesture is anticipated to have a profound impact on the legal community, underscoring the importance of dialogue and reconciliation over prolonged litigation. It also highlights the role of elder statesmen in setting examples of magnanimity and the prioritization of collective harmony over personal grievances.

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