By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Government Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Dele Oshinowo, has taken legal action against online news platform justnews.ng and one Musbau Adebisi for what he claims is a defamatory publication. Oshinowo alleges that the online medium falsely accused him of fraudulently claiming credit for the construction of the Agboyi link bridge.
The legal counsel to Mr. Oshinowo, Mr. Samson Okeh of Bola Ajibola & Co, initiated the lawsuit on behalf of his client. The lawsuit, dated April 12, 2024, and titled “Pre-action Notice/Memorandum of Claim for Defamation of Character,” was made public on Tuesday, with copies provided to Kosofe Post in Lagos.
According to Mr. Okeh, the offensive publication by justnews.ng was misleading and fabricated, with the aim of tarnishing Mr. Oshinowo’s reputation and inciting discord within the Agboyi-Ketu community. Despite a previous request for retraction and apology, the online platform failed to comply.
Mr. Okeh emphasized that Mr. Oshinowo never misrepresented himself regarding the construction of the Agboyi Link Bridge. Rather, he acknowledged the Federal Government’s role in the project during an inspection tour. The lawsuit alleges that the publication by justnews.ng and Musbau Adebisi damaged Mr. Oshinowo’s reputation without justification.
The lawsuit seeks various reliefs, including a declaration that the accusations against Mr. Oshinowo are unfounded, an order for justnews.ng to pay N300 million for reputational damage, and a public apology published in a national daily. Additionally, Mr. Oshinowo seeks N100 million for mental distress and N25 million for legal fees.
Mr. Okeh stated that the actions of Musbau Adebisi and justnews.ng amount to an unlawful act, and the lawsuit aims to restore Mr. Oshinowo’s reputation and seek justice for the harm caused.