Legal icon Afe Babalola says he is ready to withdraw his criminal defamation suit against rights activist Dele Farotimi.

Mr Babalola recently dragged Farotimi before an Ekiti Magistrates’ court, claiming criminal defamation in the latter’s controversial book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’.

The court granted Mr Farotimi N30 million bail.

Mr Babalola’s decision to withdraw his suit followed a visit to his Ado-Ekiti home by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Sunday night.

The Ooni arrived at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, at about 10:30 p.m. and was accompanied by other top Yoruba traditional rulers, including the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti and Olojudo of Ido- Ekiti.

At the meeting, Mr Babalola said he received several letters and calls from eminent Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Governor Peter Obi and Bishop Hassan Kukah, asking him to withdraw the suit.

Mr Babalola said he had no choice but to succumb to the latest pleas by the visiting traditional rulers. He stressed that he had nothing to gain in Farotimi being jailed.

Mr Babalola assured the traditional rulers that he would direct his lawyers to withdraw the case.

The Ife monarch said he and others resolved to intervene so that Mr Babalola “can pardon his son, Farotimi.”

The Ooni commended Mr Babalola for building his integrity over the years and urged him not to relent following the development.

The meeting ended at about midnight.

(NAN)