By DAYO ADESULU
Legal Battle Ends After Afe Babalola’s Pardon, But More Cases Remain Pending
Ado-Ekiti Court Dismisses Defamation Case Against Human Rights Lawyer
Ado-Ekiti – The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday dismissed the criminal defamation suit against human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, following a notice of discontinuance filed by police prosecutor Samson Osobu.
The suit was initiated by Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), but was withdrawn after Babalola granted Farotimi a pardon. The decision came after interventions from Yoruba traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Court’s Ruling and Lawyer’s Statement
Justice Babs Kuewunmi struck out the case after the defense accepted the notice of discontinuance, dated January 29, 2025.
Speaking to journalists, Farotimi’s lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), confirmed that his client had agreed to the discontinuance but emphasized that other legal battles remain pending in multiple courts.
“This case at the high court has been struck out, but we are still awaiting further action on the other cases in Ado-Ekiti, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Abeokuta. Until all matters are resolved, my client will not make further statements.”
Pending Cases Across Multiple Jurisdictions
Despite the Ado-Ekiti High Court ruling, other defamation-related cases remain active in the Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Abeokuta.
Farotimi, who appeared in court dressed in white, declined to speak to the press. The courtroom was notably less crowded than during his last hearing in December 2024 at the Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court.
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