The Upper Area Court in Ganmo, Kwara State, has dismissed a defamation suit filed by the traditional ruler of Babanla, Oba Yusuf Alabi, against four community members accused of maligning his character and inciting violence.
The case, instituted through a Direct Complaint, alleged that the defendants -Mr. Salaudeen Abdulrafiu, Odofin Saheed, Mr. Abdulsalam Abdulallateef Olatunji, and Pastor Fatai Ajide- had accused members of the royal family of acting as informants for bandits and participating in banditry.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, counsel to the monarch, Barrister Sambo Akanbi, told the court that his client had chosen to withdraw the case in the interest of peace, following appeals from stakeholders across the community.
Counsel for the defendants, Barrister Ibrahim, welcomed the development, describing it as surprising but positive, noting that the decision would help foster peace in Babanla.
Upon receiving a formal letter of discontinuance from the complainant’s counsel, the presiding judge, Honourable Justice A.B. Yahya, terminated the case and discharged the defendants.
However, several community members present at the court expressed dissatisfaction with the monarch’s leadership, accusing him of authoritarian tendencies that, according to them, have stifled development in Babanla since his enthronement.
Speaking after the ruling, one of the defendants, Pastor Ajide, called on the federal and state governments to investigate suspects currently held by the Department of State Services (DSS) for over a month in connection with the case, and to ensure that others still at large are brought to justice.