Afe Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria, has decided to withdraw his defamation suit against human rights advocate Dele Farotimi.
This development comes after Farotimi was arrested in December and held for 21 days on charges of “criminally defaming” Babalola in his book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’.
Babalola’s change of heart follows a midnight meeting with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent traditional rulers.
He revealed that he had received numerous letters and calls from esteemed Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah, urging him to drop the case.
Babalola stated that he has nothing to gain from Farotimi’s imprisonment and has instructed his lawyers to withdraw the suit.
The Ooni of Ife commended Babalola for his integrity and encouraged him to remain steadfast.
