The Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Government Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Dele Oshinowo, has taken legal action against online news platform justnews.ng for alleged libelous statements regarding an attack and accusations made against Prince Ibrahim Oladega.
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In a lawsuit dated April 12, 2024, titled “Pre-action Notice/Memorandum of Claim for Defamation of Character,” Mr. Oshinowo’s legal counsel, Mr. Samson Okeh of Bola Ajibola & Co, outlined the grievances against justnews.ng and its writer, Ayo Idowu. The lawsuit was made public on Tuesday, with copies provided to Kosofe Post in Lagos.
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Mr. Okeh asserts that the publication’s claims, alleging that Mr. Oshinowo accused Prince Ibrahim Oladega as the mastermind behind an attack, are unfounded and damaging to his client’s reputation. He emphasizes that the article’s assertions violate the principles of freedom of expression as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution, specifically contravening Section 39 which provides exceptions to freedom of expression, such as libel and slander.
The lawsuit highlights the publication’s intent to discredit Mr. Oshinowo and incite discord within the Agboyi-Ketu community. Mr. Okeh refutes the allegations, stating that Mr. Oshinowo never made such accusations against Prince Oladega. He argues that the publication’s failure to verify sources before publishing has caused significant harm to Mr. Oshinowo’s reputation and goodwill within the community.
In seeking redress, Mr. Okeh outlines the reliefs sought, including a declaration that the writer of the libelous statement acted unlawfully, a declaration of Mr. Oshinowo’s good character, and monetary compensation totaling N400 million for reputational damage, mental distress, and legal fees.