Libel Battle: Fayemi Seeks More Time As Sowore Files Strong Defence
A former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has pleaded for more time before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja to review the explosive defence filed by human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, in an ongoing libel suit against him and Sahara Reporters Limited.
The legal battle, which has been ongoing since 2021, took a dramatic turn after Sowore submitted a 47-paragraph joint statement of defence, challenging Fayemi’s claims of defamation.
In the defence, filed on 10th June 2024, Sowore argued that Fayemi has no reputation to protect, describing the former governor as a man whose integrity has been tainted by corruption allegations.
He urged the court to dismiss the suit with substantial costs, maintaining that Fayemi’s past records disqualify him from making claims of piety and incorruptibility.
Citing a 2018 case where Fayemi was charged with financial misconduct in the High Court of Ekiti State (Charge No. HAD/5c/2018), Sowore’s defence pointed to allegations of criminal contempt, abuse of office, and an attempt to obstruct justice.
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He further accused Fayemi of securing a controversial ₦20 billion loan for an international cargo airport in Ado-Ekiti, despite rejecting a private contribution for the project.
The defence claims that the airport, inaugurated in 2022, remains incomplete, contradicting Fayemi’s assertions of transparency.
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Fayemi’s counsel, S.I. Amen (SAN), requested an adjournment to study the defendant’s arguments, file a response, and present witnesses.
Sowore’s counsel, Tope Temokun, did not object but noted that his motion for an extension of time was to regularise the already filed defence.
Presiding over the matter, Justice A.O. Otaluka granted the adjournment and fixed 17th March 2025 for the continuation of trial.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
