Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has filed a lawsuit against human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, accusing him of making defamatory and reckless statements on social media.

The case, lodged at the Anambra State High Court in Onitsha, seeks several declarations and orders against Adeyanju for what Obi described as “false, baseless, unfounded, malicious, reckless, scandalous, and defamatory” remarks.

In the suit, Obi is asking the court to compel Adeyanju to issue an unreserved public apology on all his social media platforms and in three national newspapers.

According to the court documents, the plaintiff wants “an order compelling the Defendant to immediately retract and delete from all his social media platforms, including but not limited to his ‘X’ handle @adeyanjudeji, his verified Facebook account ‘Adeyanju Deji,’ Instagram account @AdeyanjuDeji and any other online platforms or sites, all false and malicious publications describing the Plaintiff with derogatory labels (including ‘leader of a mob,’ ‘religious bigot,’ ‘fraud,’ ‘scum,’ ‘political fraud,’ ‘political prostitute’), allegations of financial misconduct, dishonesty, or abuse of office, which have harmed the Plaintiff’s personal, political, and professional reputation.”

Obi is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining Adeyanju and his associates from further publishing or broadcasting any defamatory content about him.

The Labour Party chieftain further demands aggravated and/or exemplary damages of ₦500 million for what he described as Adeyanju’s “reckless, malicious and persistent” publications, allegedly aimed at ridiculing him before Nigerians and the international community.

In addition, Obi seeks ₦1 billion in general damages as compensation for the emotional distress and reputational harm caused by the alleged defamation.

Ibadan witnessed a historic moment on Friday as former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was officially crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The ancient city came to a standstill as residents and dignitaries gathered to mark the significant traditional transition.

In the early hours of the day, Ibadan’s usual activities were suspended, as markets and numerous private businesses shut down operations to honour the coronation. The atmosphere across the city took on a ceremonial tone, with many residents treating the day as a de facto public holiday. Those unable to attend the event in person tuned in via television and radio broadcasts.

The coronation ceremony, held at the historic Mapo Hall, attracted a large turnout from within and outside Nigeria. The venue was filled beyond capacity, as dignitaries, guests, and traditional rulers converged on the iconic site. Security operatives worked to manage the crowd, which swelled with citizens eager to witness the occasion firsthand.

Reports from across the city indicated that hotel occupancy surged in the days leading up to the event. Observers noted that nearly all hotels in Ibadan, both large and boutique, were fully booked. The influx of visitors underscored the national and international significance attached to the coronation of Oba Ladoja.

Among the prominent guests expected was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was scheduled to lead a delegation of political leaders, traditional rulers, business executives, and cultural figures. Also in attendance were governors, ministers, lawmakers, and notable personalities from different regions and countries.

The installation of Oba Ladoja has been described as one of the most notable events in Ibadan’s recent history. The new monarch, known for his political background, modesty, and bridge-building qualities, is widely regarded as a respected figure within and beyond the city. His ascension is seen as a moment of pride not only for Ibadan but also for the wider Yoruba community and Nigeria as a whole.

For many indigenes of Ibadan, including those in the diaspora, the crowning of Oba Rashidi Ladoja signals the beginning of a new era in the city’s storied leadership tradition. The coronation has been received with a strong sense of unity, celebration, and cultural pride across Ibadanland.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has initiated legal proceedings against five retired senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over allegations of age falsification intended to unlawfully extend their tenure in service.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has been assigned the case, with Justice Yusuf Halilu scheduled to preside over the arraignment on September 25.

The 14-count charge filed by the police names five retired officers: Idowu Owohunwa, former Assistant Inspector-General of Police; Benneth Igwe and Ukachi Opara, both former Commissioners of Police; Obo Ukam Obo, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police; and Simon Lough, a former Assistant Commissioner of Police. The charge sheet also makes reference to other unnamed individuals who are currently at large.

Investigators allege that Owohunwa submitted a falsified age declaration in Abuja in December 2024, stating his date of birth as July 20, 1970, rather than his actual birthdate.

Similarly, Igwe is accused of altering his official documents to reflect October 7, 1968, as his date of birth, despite evidence indicating he was born in 1964. His enlistment records reportedly contain conflicting dates, listing both 1988 and 1996 as the year he joined the police force.

Lough allegedly modified his date of birth from May 14, 1967, to May 14, 1969, in July 2022, purportedly to extend his years of service.

According to the police, these actions contravene public service regulations and are punishable under sections 97, 161, 366, and 158 of the Penal Code.

All five retired officers have denied the allegations, describing the charges as baseless and politically motivated.

They claim the accusations originated from a petition filed by the Integrity Youth Alliance, a civil society organisation led by Kelvin Adegbenga. The group had accused the officers of manipulating their service records.

Following the petition, the IGP issued official queries to the officers on January 7, 2025, citing serious misconduct.

In a response dated January 16, Owohunwa acknowledged that a clerical error in his senior officers’ APER (Annual Performance Evaluation Report) form mistakenly listed 1970 as his birth year instead of the correct year, 1967. He maintained that his appointment date was August 15, 1996.

Igwe and Lough also maintained their innocence, arguing that the confusion stemmed from a misinterpretation of their records in relation to the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) programme, which they said allows for service upgrades that can affect record timelines.