Activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi has become a nationwide sensation after Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola partially withdrew a criminal defamation case against him. This decision, attributed to the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and nine other prominent monarchs, has been celebrated as a major victory. However, reports confirm that the case has not been entirely dismissed.

The intervention occurred during a significant meeting at Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD). The gathering was attended by influential traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife; the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro; the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole; the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu; the Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju; and the Alaaye of Efon Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare. Their collective effort is seen as pivotal in persuading Babalola to reconsider his legal stance.

Farotimi’s ordeal began on December 3, 2024, when he was arrested in Lagos and transported to Ekiti State, where he spent 21 days in detention. His arrest followed accusations of defamation and cyberbullying linked to his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, which allegedly exposed systemic injustices and implicated Babalola. Farotimi maintained that his work was rooted in truth, but the book’s revelations reportedly angered powerful figures.

In 2021, Farotimi disclosed receiving intelligence about threats to his life from six individuals. Despite reporting these threats to the police, no action was taken. The situation escalated when Tony Elumelu filed a defamation petition against him. Farotimi was initially questioned and released, but the police allegedly resorted to intimidation tactics, including interrogating his staff and church members, to locate him. Ultimately, he was abducted from his home office by unidentified individuals linked to the Ekiti State Police Command.

The activist’s detention sparked public outrage, with Nigerians demanding his immediate release. Farotimi accused Babalola of leveraging his influence over Ekiti authorities to ensure his detention, even though the alleged offenses occurred in Lagos. He was eventually granted bail for ₦50 million, secured by former Anambra State governor Peter Obi. Upon his release on December 24, 2024, Farotimi declared, “I’ve never lied against anyone. We are fighting evil, and it will be tough.”

While in custody, Farotimi faced multiple lawsuits across various states. Babalola also submitted a 90-page petition to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) seeking Farotimi’s disbarment, but it was dismissed. Efforts to ban the activist’s book from stores nationwide were similarly unsuccessful. Despite these challenges, Farotimi’s resolve remained unshaken.

The monarchs’ intervention has been praised as a turning point, highlighting the enduring role of traditional rulers in fostering reconciliation and justice. Nigerians have celebrated the development as a triumph of courage and integrity over intimidation and abuse of power.

Although the defamation case has been partially withdrawn, legal analysts suggest that Farotimi’s fight is far from over. His story underscores critical issues surrounding freedom of speech, judicial integrity, and systemic challenges in Nigeria. As the public rallies behind him, Farotimi’s journey continues to inspire advocates for justice and accountability.