Renowned legal luminary and elder statesman, Afe Babalola (SAN), has officially withdrawn all legal suits filed against activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi. This decision follows the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other respected monarchs who mediated between the two prominent figures.
The dispute, which had drawn public attention, stemmed from comments made by Farotimi that Babalola considered defamatory. However, the timely involvement of the Ooni and traditional rulers succeeded in persuading both parties to settle the matter amicably out of court. The resolution is seen as a significant step toward fostering peace and unity within Nigeria’s legal and cultural circles.
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Afe Babalola, in a statement, acknowledged the role of the traditional rulers in the reconciliation process. He expressed his gratitude to the monarchs for their wisdom and emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue rather than prolonged litigation. The elder statesman also reaffirmed his commitment to justice and the promotion of goodwill.
Dele Farotimi, in turn, expressed appreciation for the intervention and praised Babalola’s magnanimity in withdrawing the suits. He reiterated his respect for the legal icon and stated that the resolution further highlights the importance of traditional institutions in conflict resolution.
This development has been widely applauded, with many commending the Ooni of Ife and other monarchs for their role in fostering peace. The withdrawal of the suits underscores the enduring relevance of traditional rulers in addressing disputes and promoting harmony in Nigerian society.