SAN FRANCISCO, November 19, (THEWILL) – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has sued an online journalist and radio presenter, Akanda Oro, popularly known as Awikonko, for N1 billion for allegedly linking him to the murder of Bola Ige, former attorney-general and minister of justice.
Oro was also quoted to have said on live radio that Obasanjo had a hand in the death of Ige and that of the national vice-chairman of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, Marshall Harry.
“Obasanjo’s murder of Bola Ige, if not for the shortage of time, I would have listed the names of those murdered by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo during his regime.
“Bloodshed during Obasanjo Aremu’s regime was too much (foolish old man).
“There are repercussions for every evil deed done. In case you hear of my death, do not be sad. Perhaps this is the only mission I have been sent by God to accomplish.
“The fellow that killed a whole minister of justice and attorney general of the federation went scot-free.”
“So, what will it cost him to kill me, a commoner? Let him go and commit suicide or take himself before Ogun shrine to swear that he does not know anything about the murder of Bola Ige and Marshall Harry or that all his children die in his lifetime,” he was quoted as saying.
Aggrieved by the allegations, Obasanjo, through Kanu Agabi (SAN), his lawyer, described as false and malicious the journalist’s claim which was also posted on social media.
He then filed a suit before Justice OA Adenyi of Apo Federal Capital Territory High Court with number FCT/HC/CV/2920/18 and asked for:
“A declaration that the publication complained of are false, malicious, unjustified, injurious, scornful, distasteful, unsavoury and have exposed the claimant to public odium, ridicule and disdain both nationally and internationally.
“A declaration that the words complained of do not constitute a valid exercise by the defendant of his freedom of speech.
“The sum of one billion naira only against the defendant as general damages for the defamation of the claimant’s hard earned reputation.”
