OVIE OF OTUO DEMANDS RETRACTION, ₦500M COMPENSATION OVER ALLEGED DEFAMATORY VIDEO
By DADA AYOKHAI
The Ovie of Otuo, His Royal Highness Aigbogun Alabi, Uzoayer II of Owan East LGA, has demanded a retraction and ₦500 million in compensation over an alleged libelous video published against him by Aseghieme Job, a leader in Ago-Igbira Camp near Auchi in Etsako West LGA.
In a letter of demand marked OA/SOL/AJ/01-I signed by his counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi, SAN, the monarch alleged that he was falsely accused in the video of using vigilantes to commit havoc in the community.
He described the allegation as false and said it had portrayed him in a bad light before the public.
According to the letter, the comments were made despite the author’s knowledge that the traditional ruler was innocent.
“Our client has watched the entire video after receiving several calls from both within the country and outside the country. The said video discloses both express and implied malice with full appreciation of the audience it would reach,” the letter stated.
“The ordinary and natural meaning which reasonable viewers attached to your video was that our client played a role in the death of the person mentioned in the video. No wonder you put our client’s picture in the video. It is a serious attack on our public credibility.”
The monarch, through his lawyer, demanded an unreserved public apology to be published in three national dailies and a video posted on social media retracting the earlier publication, which he said caused great pain.
“In addition, our client is demanding the payment of ₦500,000,000.00 (Five Hundred Million Naira) as compensation for the injury you have caused to our client’s reputation, dignity and public image,” the letter added.
The counsel alleged that his client has suffered considerable embarrassment, humiliation and injury to his reputation.
“The defamatory video has greatly lowered his standing as a Royal Highness and in social circles. Apart from this, the said video has subjected him to needless attacks upon his integrity and personality.”
The monarch warned that he would commence legal proceedings if the demands were not met within 14 days.
