The Oyo State High Court has adjourned the case between the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, and Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, known as Sunday Igboho, to January 14, 2025.
The case, which centers on an alleged violation of privacy, has sparked significant legal attention. Adams is demanding N5 billion in damages from Igboho for the publication of a private conversation without his consent.
Adams, in his suit, claims that Igboho unlawfully recorded and shared a private phone conversation between him and another individual. The conversation was made public, which Adams argues has caused severe damage to his reputation and affected his position as the highly revered Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland.
He is seeking the enforcement of his fundamental rights, alleging the breach of privacy was unconstitutional and damaging.
During the court proceedings on Monday, the defense team representing Sunday Igboho, led by Mr. Junaid Sanusi and Mr. Olalekan Banjo, informed the court that they had not been officially served with any legal documents pertaining to the case.
Sanusi explained, “We only learned of this matter through media reports, which is why we appeared in court today. However, we have not received any official petition from the claimant.”
In response, Justice A. O. Lajide, who is overseeing the case, adjourned the matter until January 2025.
The judge directed that all relevant court documents be properly served to Igboho’s defense team before the next hearing. Justice Lajide emphasized the need for all legal procedures to be followed diligently to ensure fairness in the proceedings.
Following the hearing, Sanusi confirmed that his client was ready to receive all necessary legal documents once properly served. He clarified that the case is an affidavit-based application, meaning that no physical testimony would be required in court. “Both parties do not need to be present. The case will be argued based on the affidavits submitted by the lawyers,” Sanusi stated.
The legal matter is centered on the issue of privacy rights, with Adams holding a respected cultural position as the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland. The unauthorized release of his private conversation, Adams argues, has severely damaged his standing and reputation, calling the breach an infringement on his constitutional rights.
As the case continues, it is expected to draw further attention, especially given the high-profile nature of both Adams and Igboho. The outcome of the case will have significant implications not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader discourse on privacy and media rights in Nigeria.
The adjournment until January 2025 allows time for all the necessary documents and legal procedures to be completed. It also sets the stage for a more thorough legal examination of the allegations and defense. Both parties are expected to present their arguments in the coming months, with the potential for a landmark ruling on privacy rights in the country.
