The Counselor Who Was Not Heard
In Ravana's council, Vibhishana had spoken the truth three times: return Sita, end this war before it destroys Lanka, choose dharma over pride.
Ravana struck him. Mocked him. Drove him from court.
Vibhishana had a choice: stay in Lanka and be complicit, or cross the ocean to the enemy.
The Crossing
He flew to Rama's camp with four of his ministers. The vanaras were suspicious — a rakshasa, brother of Ravana himself, arriving at their king's camp?
Sugriva urged Rama to refuse him. This could be a spy. This could be a trick.
Rama said: "Even if Ravana himself came to me in surrender, I would receive him. This man has come to me for shelter. I cannot turn him away. Giving refuge to those who come seeking it is my dharma."
He accepted Vibhishana completely — not as a subordinate, but with honor. He anointed Vibhishana the rightful king of Lanka, then and there, before the war had even started.
What This Meant
Vibhishana's knowledge of Lanka's defenses and secrets proved crucial in the war. But Rama had accepted him before knowing that. He accepted him simply because he had come.