The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti has dismissed the defamation suit filed against activist and writer, Dele Farotimi. The case, which had attracted significant attention, was formally discontinued following the request of the complainant, Afe Babalola, and the intervention of influential figures, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Notice of discontinuance filed by prosecution
On Wednesday, the police in the case, Samson Osobu, submitted a notice of discontinuance and requested the withdrawal of the charges against Farotimi. According to Section 108(1)(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, Osobu explained that the complainant, Babalola, had made the decision to discontinue the case.
Osobu’s application to have the charge struck out was swiftly granted by the presiding judge, Babs Kuewumi. Olumide Fusika, counsel for Farotimi, responded affirmatively, stating that they had no objection to the discontinuance of the defamation charge.
Background of the defamation case
The legal action stemmed from allegations made by Afe Babalola, a respected Nigerian lawyer, against Dele Farotimi. Babalola claimed that Farotimi defamed him in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, published several years ago. In the book, Farotimi had made critical remarks about the country’s legal and judicial processes, including comments that were deemed insulting to Babalola.
Following the filing of the defamation suit, the case took a new turn when prominent figures became involved, seeking a peaceful resolution between the parties.
The role of the Ooni of Ife and former President Obasanjo
The turning point in the case came after the intervention of two highly respected individuals in Nigerian society. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, alongside former President Olusegun Obasanjo, approached Afe Babalola to mediate in the dispute. Their involvement was pivotal in persuading Babalola to reconsider his stance on pursuing the legal case against Farotimi.
Both leaders played a significant role in Babalola’s decision to forgive Farotimi and withdraw the defamation claim.
Afe Babalola’s decision to withdraw the suit
After the mediation, Babalola expressed his willingness to withdraw the defamation suit against Dele Farotimi. He cited the efforts of the Ooni of Ife and former President Obasanjo as the key factors in his decision to settle the matter amicably.
Afe Babalola’s change of heart capped a monthslong a legal battle that could have lingered for even longer. His decision to forgive Farotimi demonstrated the importance of dialogue and mediation in resolving disputes, particularly when both sides are willing to compromise for the greater good.
Court strikes out the case
With the case officially discontinued, Judge Babs Kuewumi struck out the defamation suit, bringing an end to the legal proceedings. The decision marked a successful conclusion to a case that had attracted significant public attention, thanks to the involvement of both legal and traditional leaders in resolving the matter.
The resolution of the case also highlighted the power of reconciliation and the influence of respected figures in Nigerian society in fostering peace and dialogue between individuals and institutions.