The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has successfully mediated a reconciliation between Aare Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), and human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi.
The intervention, which took place on Sunday night at ABUAD, led to Aare Babalola forgiving Farotimi and agreeing to withdraw the criminal charges against him.
Accompanied by prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, including the Ewi of Ado, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi III; Ajero of Ijero, Oba Adewole Joseph Adebayo; Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Samuel Adejinmi Adu; Alaaye of Efon Alaaye, Oba Dr. Emmanuel Aladejare Agunsoye II; and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ilori Faboro, the Ooni emphasized the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in line with Yoruba cultural traditions.
Arriving at 10:08 PM, the Ooni was received by Aare Afe Babalola, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde, and other senior university officials. Following a closed-door meeting, the Ooni stated:
“We came to appeal to Aare Babalola to forgive his son, Dele Farotimi, and withdraw the criminal charges against him. Aare Babalola is a statesman and a paragon of Yoruba values. As traditional rulers, we believe in peaceful resolutions, particularly in matters involving a father-son relationship.”
In response, Aare Afe Babalola, acknowledging the intervention of the Ooni and the traditional rulers, declared his forgiveness of Farotimi and his decision to withdraw the charges.
“Today is a significant day for me. Although I initially declined similar appeals from former President Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah, I cannot say no to the Ooni and our revered traditional rulers. I have forgiven Dele Farotimi and will instruct my lawyers to withdraw the charges immediately.”
A statement by Ooni's Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, disclosed that the Ooni and his entourage departed ABUAD around 12:30 AM.
This development, he added, highlights the enduring role of traditional rulers in fostering peace and unity.
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