The no-nonsense National Legal Adviser to All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr.Muiz Adeyemi Banire, SAN, is upset with the party’s chairman in Lagos State, Chief Henry Ajomale.
Banire’s anger is as a result of Ajomale’s alleged defamation of his person and reputation.
Making his anger known via a letter from his lawyers, Uwemsuyi-Edosomwan & Co. and Heritage Partners, dated July 9, 2017, Banire, a former Commissioner for Special Duties, Transportation and Environment in Lagos, is demanding an apology and also N500m compensation from Ajomale.
Ajomale, it would be recalled, had accused Banire of instigating those who lost out in the party’s LG election to go to court. Specifically, in Odi-Olowo LCDA. An allegation that Banire is not taking lightly.
‘Muiz Banire filed the suit by proxy; he also procured the lawyer who ‘defended’ the party. As the Yoruba would say, he invited the thief and also called for law enforcement officers to come and arrest the thief’, Ajomale had claimed.
Responding to the weighty allegation, Banire’s lawyers had reminded Ajomale that, ‘It is certain that you know very well the status of our client as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a member of the Body of Benchers who would not engage in anything capable of subverting the course of justice.’
Interestingly, as a proof that he’s not out for total war, Banire’s lawyers added that, ‘In this regard, our client is open to resolving this matter through conciliation, mediation, arbitration or other dispute resolution options you deem most suitable.’
Nonetheless, the lawyers are insisting on the retraction of the said publication, plus an unreserved apology in two national dailies, one of which must be ThisDay, where Ajomale’s allegation was made. Otherwise he should be ready to cough out N500m for ‘maliciously destroying Banire’s reputation.’