SAN FRANCISCO, February 05, (THEWILL) – National leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the founder of DAAR Communications Plc, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, on Thursday, agreed to settle out of court in the N150bn libel suit filed against the media organization by the former.
Tinubu had instituted the legal action against DAAR Communications Plc, owners of AIT, before an Ikeja High Court over a libelous documentary titled “Lion of Bourdillon” aired on Africa Independent Television, AIT, ahead of the 2015 general elections. In the suit, Tinubu alleged that the documentary, which started airing on March 1, 2015, was libelous and aimed at tarnishing his image.
However, at Thursday’s proceedings, Counsel to Dokpesi, Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN informed the court of his client’s wish to embrace alternative dispute resolution.
According to him, “My lord, we have come to court today to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR. Every war that is fought is always settled amicably on a round-table.
“Both parties have expressed their desire to settle amicably based on the terms of settlement which the My Honourable Lord has been furnished with.
“We reached the agreement to enable both parties to continue with the good relationship that they have always had. We have driven the devil away with a spiritual “Koboko”, Ozekhome told the court.
Confirming what was said earlier, Tinubu’s Counsel, Wole Olanipekun SAN informed the court of his client’s willingness to settle the matter out of court.
His words, “I align myself with the submissions and sentiments of my learned friend. I can also confirm that the terms of settlement which was drawn up on the 29th of January has been accepted by both parties,” Olanipekun said.
“I also want to appreciate my Lord for her patience all through the duration of the suit. I also appreciate the Claimant who magnanimously agreed to settle out of court,” Olanipekun said.
The presiding judge, Justice Iyabo Akinkugbe consequently adopted the terms of settlement and acknowledged that it has been filed before the court.
It was gathered that the terms of agreement include a retraction of the broadcast by AIT, an apology by AIT which should be aired three times, once daily on the station; and that the claimant and the defendant shall bear their respective costs in the suit.
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