Court refers council chair’s N50m libel suit to ADR
Justice Adewale Musiliu of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has referred a N50million defamation suit involving Kosofe Local Government Chairman, Moyosore Ogunlewe, to the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse for
Justice Adewale Musiliu of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has referred a N50million defamation suit involving Kosofe Local Government Chairman, Moyosore Ogunlewe, to the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse for possible settlement.
The judge made the referral at the first hearing of the matter on April 14, this year, describing the case as straightforward and one that should be resolved amicably, particularly as it involves a public figure.
“This is a straightforward matter. Your client is a public figure, and this matter should have been settled out of court,” the judge said.
When the case was called, counsel to the claimant, Kolawole Salami, told the court that the matter was coming up for the first time and that the defendant had served a statement of defence, adding that the claimant had filed a reply, though out of time, and served it on the defence on the morning of the proceedings.
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Defence counsel, Gbno Azaino, confirmed receipt of the reply and informed the court that a counterclaim had also been filed.
Following the exchange, the court directed both parties to explore alternative dispute resolution and adjourned the matter till June 8, 2026, for a report on the outcome.
In the substantive suit, Ogunlewe is seeking N50million in general and exemplary damages against Saliu Marufdeen Adekunle, also known as “Africa,” over alleged defamatory statements circulated on WhatsApp platforms.
The claimant, a legal practitioner and political figure, told the court that the defendant and his associates published statements in January 2026 suggesting that he was involved in threats to the defendant’s life.
According to court filings, the messages were shared across WhatsApp groups including “Kosofe News Update,” “Project OKLA 2026,” and “KSF Igbega Ipinle Eko,” and were allegedly viewed by thousands of users.
Ogunlewe claimed that the publications were false, malicious, and intended to damage his reputation, portraying him as a violent and untrustworthy individual.
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He further alleged that the messages caused embarrassment to him and his family and drew inquiries from political associates and leaders.
Two witnesses told the court that the publications circulated widely and negatively impacted Ogunlewe’s reputation within political circles.
The claimant is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant and his associates from making further alleged defamatory publications.
In his statement of defence, Adekunle denied liability, arguing that he did not author any defamatory content and that the WhatsApp groups referenced are open platforms where individuals express personal views.
He maintained that any statements linked to him constituted fair comment made in good faith and were protected under his right to freedom of expression.
The defendant further told the court that he had received alleged threats to his life on January 14, 2026, which prompted him to raise an alarm and take precautionary measures.
In a counterclaim, he is seeking N70m in damages and a perpetual injunction restraining the claimant and his associates from alleged intimidation or interference with his liberty.
He also urged the court to dismiss the suit, describing it as an attempt to suppress his right to speak on matters of public concern.
