The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, alongside prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, visited Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) on Sunday night to mediate and resolve a dispute between the university’s founder, Aare Afe Babalola, and human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi. The Ooni appealed to Aare Babalola to forgive Farotimi and withdraw the ongoing criminal case against him.
Arriving at ABUAD at around 10:08 p.m., Ooni Ogunwusi was warmly received by Aare Afe Babalola, the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde, and other top officials, including the legal team handling Farotimi's case. In her welcome address, Professor Olarinde acknowledged the Ooni’s unwavering support for the university and its founder, describing ABUAD as one of Africa’s leading institutions.
The closed-door meeting included esteemed Yoruba traditional rulers such as 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 the Chairman of the Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Ooni emphasized the importance of applying Yoruba values of reconciliation and alternative dispute resolution, describing the matter as one between a father and his son.
“We have come to appeal to Aare Babalola to forgive Dele Farotimi and withdraw the criminal charges against him. Aare Babalola, you are a statesman, an icon, and a rare breed whose legacy transcends Nigeria. As a proponent of the Yoruba ethos of ‘Omoluwabi,’ we ask you to let go and embrace reconciliation,” Ooni said.
Responding to the Ooni’s plea, Aare Afe Babalola accepted the appeal with grace and pledged to withdraw the charges against Farotimi immediately. He noted that his decision was influenced by the respect he holds for the Ooni and the other traditional rulers present.
“This is an important day for me as a Yoruba man. Many have appealed to me on this matter, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah, but I refused. However, I cannot say no to the Ooni and the Obas. Dele Farotimi is forgiven, and I will instruct my lawyers to withdraw the case,” Babalola stated.
He reflected on Yoruba traditions and values, emphasizing the importance of honoring interventions by traditional rulers. Quoting a Yoruba adage, he added, “Those who change the world for the better do not wait to respond to criticism.”
In his closing remarks, Aare Babalola reiterated his commitment to integrity and transparency, dismissing past allegations of corruption and affirming that he sought no personal gain from the matter.
The Ooni departed the university at approximately 12:30 a.m. en route to Ojaja Park in Akure before heading to Abuja on Monday.
