The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has dismissed a N5billion defamation suit filed by Chief Gani Adams, the Aare-Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, against Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, commonly known as Sunday Igboho.
The ruling, delivered by Justice O.T. Ademola-Salami, also included an award of N500,000 cost against Adams in favour of Igboho.
In the case marked M/1006/2004, Adams, represented by lawyer Sikiru Akinrele, claimed that Igboho violated his fundamental rights by allegedly recording his private telephone conversation without consent.
He argued that this breach of privacy contravened Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Adams sought a declaration that it was unlawful to covertly record private conversations without the consent of all parties involved.
“A declaration that it is unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional for the respondent to covertly record and publicly release or publish the private telephone conversation between the applicant and another person, without the consent and authority of the applicant.”
However, when the case was heard on April 30, 2025, Igboho’s counsel, Junaid Sanusi, filed a counter affidavit opposing Adams’ claims.
He highlighted that Adams did not personally submit the affidavit supporting his application, which is required by law.
The court adjourned the case until July 3, 2025, for judgement.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, Justice Ademola-Salami dismissed the suit, stating that Adams’ affidavit was defective as it had not been personally deposed by him or someone authorised by him.
The judge noted that Adams failed to demonstrate that his phone had been tapped by Igboho, even if the affidavit had been deemed acceptable.
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