‘Defamation’: Okunbo demands N2bn from Edo govt, threatens lawsuit

Idahosa Wells Okunbo, chairman of Ocean Marine Solution (OMS), has accused the government of Edo state, of sponsoring libellous and defamatory publications against him.

In a letter dated July 20 and addressed to Yinka Omorogbe, Edo state attorney-general and commissioner for justice, Okunbo through his counsel, Oladapo Olanipekun, demanded a retraction of the publications.

Olanipekun specifically referred to a publication Monday, 20 July 2020, captioned “Okunbo, Oshiomhole making plans to disrupt Edo governorship elections” which he claims appeared in some newspapers.

He said those behind the story claimed he held a meeting on July 19, 2020, where he “perfected plans to recruit thugs to disrupt the forthcoming September 19 governorship election in the state, having discovered that they cannot win the election in a fair contest.”

The said publications also claimed that Okunbo “met with these thugs, gave them targets and paid them in advance to cause trouble and undermine the will of the people during the election.

Olanipekun said the “publications bear the insignia/mark of the Edo state government and was signed by Crusoe Osagie, designated as special adviser, media and communication strategy (to the governor), Edo state government.”

He described the reports as “inaccurate, misleading, malicious, unfair, defamatory, libellous and incriminating.”

He stated that his client is “an accomplished businessman, whose interests and achievements, transcend Edo state and Nigeria.”

“Our client has been meticulous in building his career with the hallmarks of diligence and integrity.  His peace-loving nature has received global acclaim.  Hence, he was recognized with a global peace award in 2019 by the chairman of the order of Lafayette awards in Geneva, Switzerland,” he said

Olanipekun said since the publications were issued, Okunbo has been “inundated with several enquiries from different parts of the world by concerned associates, clients, investors, friends and family members, demanding explanation and clarification about the criminal insinuations of the publications.

He added that Okunbo has also suffered undue apprehension, with implications to his health.

“Premised on the foregoing, we have further instruction of our client to demand a retraction of the publication and an unreserved apology,” he said.

“The said retraction and apology, apart from being in writing to our client in person, should be published in the same newspapers and given the same prominence as the defamatory caption/publications.

“We also demand that the Edo state government and or its representatives cease(s) and desist(s) from making any further libellous and defamatory publications in respect of our client.

“Finally, our client demands the sum of N2,000,000,000 (two billion naira) for the embarrassment, inconvenience, losses and damages done to his person, character and interests.

“In the event that the Edo State Government fails to meet these legitimate demands of our client within a period of 3 (three) days from receipt of this letter, our firm instruction is to proceed with other legal means of seeking redress for our client.”