Friday, 15 August 2025

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Ibadan businessman takes Fresh FM to court over defamation... demands N100m

by KakakiOodua Media Services in Entertainment, Gists, legal, Oyo

Prominent Oyo State businessman, philanthropist, and political leader, Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku, has filed a ₦100 million defamation suit against Fresh FM Nigeria, owned by gospel musician Yinka Ayefele, alleging the station broadcast false and damaging claims that tarnished his reputation.

Through his legal representatives, Obisesan & Co. (The Law Union), Ajanaku served a petition on the station’s CEO/Managing Director at Ayefele Music House in Challenge, Ibadan, demanding a public apology, cessation of further defamatory broadcasts, and payment of ₦100 million in damages.

The petition, signed by Chief (Dr.) T.A. Lowo Obisesan, alleges that on August 13, 2025, Fresh FM aired claims that construction of Ajanaku’s Dino Hotel in Imalefalafia Community, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, blocked a public right of way, caused flooding, and damaged part of the late Pa Obafemi Awolowo’s master plan for the area.

It argued that the station failed to verify the allegations, consult official survey plans, or seek Ajanaku’s response. The petition maintained that he lawfully acquired the land, secured all necessary approvals, and began construction under a qualified site engineer’s supervision.

The petition further accused Fresh FM of breaching Ajanaku’s right to fair hearing and violating the legal principle of audi alteram partem (“hear the other side”), effectively using the platform to “perpetuate injustice.”

Citing Section 375 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act and appellate court precedents, the petition stressed that defamation damages are presumed by law without proof of actual loss, warning that the station could face both civil and criminal liability.

The law firm gave Fresh FM seven days to comply, threatening legal action and a formal complaint to the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for breaching standards requiring verification of allegations before broadcast.

“This development is highly unfortunate and unexpected from a company of Fresh FM’s stature,” the petition stated. As of press time, Fresh FM had not issued any response.

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