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A Publication Alone Cannot Establish A Libel Case…..Read What Appeal Court Ruled In The Case Of Mosunmola Abudu vs Oluyemisi Wada

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The Court of Appeal Lagos Division has ruled that the mere publication of an allegedly defamatory statement is not enough to sustain a claim for libel, holding that a claimant must produce credible evidence showing that the publication actually lowered his or her reputation in the eyes of right-thinking members of society.

The court made the pronouncement while dismissing an appeal filed by the Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife Group, Mosunmola (Mo) Abudu, against the judgement of the Lagos State High Court, which dismissed her libel suit against child rights advocate, Oluyemisi Wada.

In a unanimous decision, the three-member panel held that although Wada admitted publishing the disputed article, Abudu failed to establish a crucial element of defamation because she did not call any independent witness to testify that the publication negatively affected their opinion of her.

The panel, comprising Justices Folasade Ayodeji-Ojo, Muslim Sule Hassan and Polycarp T. Kwahar, delivered its lead judgment through Justice Hassan.

Abudu had sued Wada for libel, seeking N100 million in general damages, N100 million in aggravated damages, an order compelling Wada to publish a retraction and apology in THISDAY, two national newspapers and online platforms, as well as a perpetual injunction restraining further publication of the alleged defamatory statements.

In her defence, Wada denied liability and relied on the defences of justification and fair comment.

She maintained that her publication merely questioned the management of funds raised during a benefit concert organised by Abudu for street children, arguing that the issue was one of legitimate public interest.

Dissatisfied with the High Court’s decision, Abudu appealed on six grounds. She argued that the trial judge erred by holding that she failed to prove publication despite Wada’s admission that she authored and published the article.

She also contended that the lower court was wrong to insist on evidence from third parties before determining whether the words complained of were defamatory.

Before considering the substantive appeal, the Court of Appeal dismissed Wada’s preliminary application seeking to strike out two grounds of appeal and the related issues formulated by Abudu.

The court held that the grounds properly arose from the trial court’s decision and were therefore competent.

On the merits, however, the appellate court agreed with the trial court that Abudu failed to prove an essential ingredient of defamation.

Justice Hassan held that although Wada admitted publishing the article in THISDAY, publication alone could not establish libel.

According to the court, a claimant in a defamation action must also prove that the publication lowered his or her reputation in the estimation of reasonable and right-thinking members of society.

The court further held that while publication in a national newspaper amounts to publication to the whole world, the claimant must still call at least one person who read the publication and whose opinion of the claimant was adversely affected.

Justice Hassan observed that Abudu testified only on her own behalf despite claiming that several friends and associates contacted her after reading the publication.

“The appellant must go ahead to establish that in the eyes of reasonable men or third parties her reputation has been ruined, her estimation destroyed or her business value diminished before damage can be established,” the court held.

The court added that for it to determine, without evidence from readers, that the publication was defamatory would amount to speculation and improperly draw the court into the arena of the dispute.

It consequently resolved the first two issues against Abudu.

On the third issue, relating to Wada’s reliance on the defences of justification and fair comment, the court held that the publication concerned a matter of public interest involving funds raised from members of the public for charitable purposes.

Justice Hassan noted that Abudu, as a public figure and child rights advocate, organised a public fundraising campaign, while Wada, who also advocates for children’s rights, was among the contributors to the initiative.

The court held that Wada was entitled to question how the funds were utilised and to express her views on the matter.

According to the court, the publication merely challenged Abudu to provide greater transparency regarding the management of funds donated by members of the public.

It further held that criticism relating to the use of publicly donated funds was protected by the defence of fair comment, adding that organisers of public fundraising campaigns should expect public scrutiny and accountability.

The court further remarked that Abudu ought to have regarded the publication as constructive criticism rather than a personal attack, noting that it would not have cost her anything to provide a fuller explanation of how the charitable funds entrusted to her by members of the public were utilised.

Having resolved all three issues against the appellant, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal in its entirety, affirmed the judgment of the Lagos State High Court delivered on May 3, 2019, and made no order as to costs.

Oborevwori Celebrates Arise News Chairman Nduka Obaigbena At 67, Commends His Promotive Contributions To The Media Industry

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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated renowned media entrepreneur and Chairman of THISDAY Newspapers and ARISE News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, CON, on the occasion of his 67th birth anniversary, describing him as one of Africa’s most influential figures in contemporary journalism.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, on Tuesday, the governor commended Obaigbena for his exceptional contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s media industry and his unwavering commitment to promoting credible journalism over the decades.

Oborevwori noted that the Delta-born publisher has distinguished himself as an innovative media executive whose vision transformed newspaper publishing and television broadcasting, while setting new standards of excellence in the profession.

He said Obaigbena’s leadership of THISDAY Newspapers and ARISE News has strengthened democratic values, expanded public discourse, and projected Nigeria’s voice on the global media stage.

The governor also acknowledged the celebrant’s tenure as President of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), describing it as a period marked by strong advocacy for press freedom, professionalism, and the advancement of the media industry.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I heartily congratulate our distinguished son and brother, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, CON, as he marks his 67th birthday.

“Your remarkable achievements in media entrepreneurship and your enduring contributions to journalism have earned you respect both within Nigeria and internationally. Through your visionary leadership, you have built enduring media institutions that continue to shape public opinion, deepen democratic engagement, and inspire a new generation of media professionals.

“We are proud of your accomplishments and the positive image you have brought to Delta State and Nigeria through your outstanding career,” the governor stated.

Oborevwori prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the media icon, wishing him good health, renewed strength, and many more years of impactful service to the media profession, the nation, and humanity.

RMAFC Moves to Wean Delta off Oil, Begins Strategic Assessment of State’s Diversification Drive …Says constitutional mandate, Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda demand urgent shift to non-oil economy

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By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) on Monday intensified the national campaign to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil, launching a strategic assessment of Delta State’s economic diversification programme and declaring that the era of relying almost exclusively on petroleum revenues must give way to a more resilient, innovation-driven and productive economy.

Leading a 14-member delegation of the Commission to Government House, Asaba, Chairman of the RMAFC Mobilisation and Diversification Committee, Hon. Victor Eboigbe, said the exercise was part of the Commission’s constitutional responsibility to guide governments at all levels towards building sustainable revenue streams capable of withstanding the uncertainties of the global oil market.

The assessment, he explained, is designed to evaluate Delta State’s policies, programmes and investments aimed at expanding non-oil revenues while identifying areas where the Commission can provide technical advice to strengthen fiscal sustainability.

Eboigbe warned that decades of overdependence on oil had repeatedly exposed Nigeria’s economy to external shocks, insisting that genuine prosperity would only come through deliberate diversification of the nation’s productive sectors.

“Mother Nature has blessed this country and Delta State with abundant human and material resources that should be harnessed for the benefit of the people,” he said.

“But the vagaries of the international oil market remain beyond our control. That leaves us with one glaring option, diversification. It is the pathway to sustainable economic growth, stronger revenue generation and enduring prosperity.”

He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places industrialisation, manufacturing, agriculture, technology, digitisation, innovation and the creative economy at the centre of Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation.

According to him, although many Nigerians associate RMAFC primarily with revenue allocation, the Commission’s constitutional responsibilities extend beyond sharing the Federation Account.

Citing Paragraph 32(a) and (c) of Part I of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Eboigbe said the Commission is specifically empowered to advise the Federal and State Governments on fiscal efficiency and practical strategies for increasing government revenues.

“Our advocacy for economic diversification derives directly from that constitutional mandate,” he said.

He recalled that the Commission had previously organised a National Stakeholders’ Seminar on Economic Diversification in 2024 as well as advocacy workshops across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones to encourage governments to broaden their economic base.

According to him, the current nationwide assessment serves as a follow-up to those engagements while also implementing a presidential directive aimed at accelerating economic diversification across the federation.

Eboigbe disclosed that the Commission had already provided relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Delta State with comprehensive assessment templates and questionnaires, adding that the delegation would spend the coming days engaging critical stakeholders before developing recommendations to strengthen the state’s diversification agenda.

Expressing confidence in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, he said the state’s willingness to subject itself to the assessment reflected a genuine commitment to building a more sustainable economy beyond oil.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of Governor Oborevwori, Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, described the Commission’s visit as timely and strategic, stressing that RMAFC had come not to “share the national cake” but to help governments expand it.

“They are not coming to take from us,” Ekedayen said.

“They are actually coming to help us prepare for life outside oil. They are helping us ask the difficult but necessary question: what happens when oil is no longer the mainstay of our economy?”

He commended the Commission for initiating what he described as a forward-looking national conversation, noting that responsible governments must prepare today for tomorrow’s economic realities.

According to him, Delta State has already begun laying the foundation for that future through deliberate reforms aimed at expanding internally generated revenue without imposing heavier tax burdens on citizens.

Ekedayen disclosed that the state’s internally generated revenue had increased from about ₦83 billion when the Oborevwori administration assumed office to over ₦200 billion, attributing the remarkable growth to expanded tax coverage, improved efficiency in tax administration, stronger compliance and better enforcement rather than higher tax rates.

Beyond revenue reforms, he said the administration was aggressively pursuing commercial agriculture through innovative public-private partnerships that enable investors to provide capital and technology while government contributes land and host communities benefit directly from employment and profit-sharing arrangements.

He added that large-scale agricultural investments, particularly in cassava and oil palm production, would not only strengthen food security but also create thousands of jobs and significantly boost non-oil revenue.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, said the Oborevwori administration was positioning Delta as an industrial hub through strategic infrastructure investments, particularly in energy.

He revealed that Governor Oborevwori had directed that the Kwale Industrial Park be fully energised ahead of its inauguration, noting that investors had already begun indicating interest in establishing operations at the facility.

Tilije also identified the shallow navigation channel along the Forcados axis as one of the major constraints to maritime commerce but expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between the Delta State Government and the Federal Government would accelerate the revitalisation of Warri Port and other maritime assets capable of unlocking enormous trade, industrial and investment opportunities.

The RMAFC delegation is expected to conclude its engagements with key ministries and agencies before submitting recommendations aimed at strengthening Delta State’s transition from an oil-dependent economy to one anchored on diversified and sustainable sources of growth.

ADC Primary Crisis Explodes as Anambra Winners Accuse Party, INEC Officials of Candidate Swap…. Petition seeks reversal of alleged substitutions, probe of INEC Awka official, recognition of ‘authentic’ primary winners

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ADC

A fresh crisis has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), threatening to overshadow the party’s preparations for the forthcoming general elections, as aggrieved members from Nasarawa, Kogi, Cross River, Anambra, Oyo and Lagos States accused the party’s national leadership of allegedly replacing candidates who emerged from duly monitored primary elections with preferred nominees.

In a petition submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the concerned members alleged that the party leadership was attempting to overturn the recommendations of the National Working Committee (NWC) Primary Election Appeal Committee, which reportedly reviewed complaints arising from the primaries and recommended the restoration of about 50 candidates across affected states.

According to the petitioners, the appeal committee conducted what they described as a painstaking review of the disputed primaries and affirmed several aspirants who had initially emerged through the party’s monitored nomination process. They, however, alleged that despite constituting the committee, the National Chairman had yet to implement its recommendations.

The petition further alleged that two senior aides to the National Chairman, his Special Adviser on Political Matters, CID Mmaduabum, and Chief of Staff, Suleiman Adoke, were at the centre of the controversy. The petitioners claimed the aides had assumed functions reserved for the National Working Committee and were allegedly influencing the chairman against implementing the appeal committee’s report because its recommendations were “not in their favour.”

The aggrieved members argued that failure to implement the appeal panel’s findings would undermine the authority of the National Working Committee, weaken internal democracy within the party and erode public confidence in the credibility of the electoral process.

“Uploading names of persons not recommended by the Party Appeal Committee set up by the NWC would erode confidence in INEC’s oversight of political party primaries, kill party internal democracy and undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process,” the petition stated.

The petitioners further warned that “INEC must not be seen as a collaborator in institutionalizing internal party dictatorship.”

One of the cases highlighted in the petition concerns the Idemili South State Constituency seat in Anambra State.

According to the petition, Hon. Chiamaka Jessy Okpala was the only aspirant who purchased the party’s nomination form, successfully passed the screening exercise and participated in the primary election monitored by the electoral commission.

Despite being the sole cleared aspirant, the petition alleged that her name was later substituted with that of another individual who had allegedly contested under the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The petitioners maintained that the appeal panel recommended the restoration of Okpala’s candidature but alleged that the recommendation had yet to be implemented.
As of the time of filing this report, neither INEC nor the national leadership of the African Democratic Congress had issued an official response to the allegations contained in the petition.

In a related development, concerned ADC stakeholders in Nasarawa State called on the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, to urgently convene a meeting of the National Working Committee to review, ratify and fully implement the decisions of the various appeal committees.

The stakeholders argued that respecting the recommendations of the appeal panels would strengthen party cohesion, reduce the likelihood of protracted litigation over nominations and improve the party’s electoral prospects.

They warned that unresolved nomination disputes could distract the party’s campaign efforts, weaken the chances of its presidential ticket and other candidates, and undermine the ADC’s ability to present a united front ahead of the general elections.

They therefore urged the National Working Committee to uphold the integrity of its internal appeal process, investigate allegations of internal sabotage and ensure that only candidates duly affirmed through the appeal committee’s recommendations are uploaded to the INEC nomination portal.

APC Ward 9 Mourns Former Aniocha South Chairman, Emmanuel Sorokwu

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By Celestine Afokobah

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward 9, Ewulu/Isheagu, has expressed sadness over the death of former Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Area, Late Emmanuel Sorokwu.

In a condolence message signed by the Ward Secretary, Mr. Augustine Adibeli, the party described Sorokwu’s death as a colossal loss to Ejeme Kingdom, Nsukwa Clan and Aniocha South.

The statement said members received the news with shock and deep sorrow.

It noted that Late Sorokwu’s contributions and legacy as former council chairman would remain indelible in the history of Aniocha South Local Government Area.

The ward extended its condolences to the immediate family of the deceased and the people of Ejeme Kingdom.

It urged the family to take solace in the belief that death is the inevitable end of every human being, although no one knows when it will come.

The party prayed that the family would be comforted during this difficult period.

It also prayed that such an untimely loss would not befall the family again.

The statement wished Sorokwu’s children long life and prayed that the soul of the deceased would rest in the bosom of the Lord.

Delta Chief Press Secretary Extol Erudite Journalist and DOPF Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli At 60

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Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Delta State, Sir Festus Ahon, has congratulated veteran journalist and Chairman of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), Mr Emmanuel Enebeli, on the occasion of his 60th birth anniversary.

In a congratulatory message, Ahon described Enebeli, who is also the State Secretary of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), as an erudite journalist, accomplished public relations professional and respected media leader whose contributions to journalism and strategic communication have remained remarkable over the years.

He noted that Enebeli, Chief Executive Officer of Bel Media Consult Limited and Publisher of Ndokwa Reporters, had consistently deployed his professional platforms to promote responsible journalism, good governance, accountability and sustainable development in Nigeria, Delta State and Ndokwa Nation.

Ahon commended the veteran journalist for his commitment to ethical journalism, professional excellence and the growth of online publishing in Delta State, stressing that his leadership of DOPF had contributed significantly to strengthening professionalism and credibility in the digital media space.

“Mr Emmanuel Enebeli has distinguished himself as a consummate journalist, public relations practitioner and media entrepreneur whose passion for excellence and responsible communication continues to inspire many within and outside the profession.

“Through his various professional engagements and media platforms, he has remained a strong advocate of good governance, development and the advancement of his people, particularly Ndokwa Nation,” Ahon said.

The Governor’s spokesman wished Enebeli continued good health, greater accomplishments and many more years of impactful service to journalism, public relations and humanity.

He said: “On behalf of my family and associates, I warmly congratulate Mr Emmanuel Enebeli on his diamond jubilee. As he celebrates this remarkable milestone, I pray that God Almighty grants him sound health, renewed strength, wisdom and many more fulfilling years of service to society”.

Igbadi Hails Okowa at 67, Backs 2027 Senate Bid

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By Celestine Afokobah

The Special Adviser to Delta State Governor on Infrastructure, Chief Nat Igbadi, has congratulated former Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on his 67th birthday, describing him as an outstanding statesman.

Igbadi said Okowa’s eight-year administration transformed Delta State into an investment-friendly destination through visionary leadership, infrastructure development and people-oriented policies.

In a congratulatory message, he said the former governor’s achievements remain enduring and continue to benefit communities across the state.

He identified the establishment of three state-owned universities as one of Okowa’s landmark accomplishments, saying the institutions have expanded access to higher education for Deltans.

According to him, the universities have eased admission challenges and strengthened educational development, making Delta one of Nigeria’s leading states in tertiary education.

Igbadi also appreciated Okowa for approving the first phase of the Isheagu-Ewulu Road project during his administration.

He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for completing the project, saying it is now awaiting inauguration for public use.

The Special Adviser thanked God for preserving Okowa’s life and congratulated him on his emergence in his party’s senatorial primary ahead of the 2027 general election.

He appealed to the people of Ewulu Kingdom, Aniocha South Local Government Area and Delta North Senatorial District to support Okowa’s senatorial ambition.

Igbadi prayed for God to bless the former governor with good health, long life, wisdom, peace and greater opportunities to continue serving Delta State and Nigeria.

Okowa @67: Anyafulu Hails Ex-Governor’s Enduring Legacy, Salutes His Investment in People

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Senator Dr Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa and Hon Bridget Ifechukwukwu Anyafulu, Esq

Member representing Oshimili South State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Bridget Ifechukwukwu Anyafulu, has paid glowing tribute to former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, as he marks his 67th birthday, describing him as a visionary statesman whose legacy of selfless service and people-centred leadership continues to inspire generations.

In a heartfelt congratulatory message released on Wednesday, Anyafulu joined family members, political associates and well-wishers across the country in celebrating the former governor, fondly addressed as the “Ekwueme of the World,” for what she described as his remarkable contributions to the growth and transformation of Delta State and Nigeria.

Senator Dr Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa and Hon Bridget Ifechukwukwu Anyafulu, Esq

According to the lawmaker, Senator Okowa’s years in public office were defined by visionary governance, prudent leadership and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of ordinary citizens through strategic investments in human capital development, quality healthcare, education, infrastructure and the empowerment of women, youths and the girl-child.

She noted that the immediate past governor’s development philosophy was anchored on the belief that sustainable progress can only be achieved by investing in people, a conviction she said translated into policies and programmes that positively impacted countless lives across Delta State.

“Today, we celebrate a distinguished statesman, accomplished administrator and visionary leader whose years of public service have left an enduring mark on the development of Delta State and Nigeria,” Anyafulu stated.

She further praised Okowa’s humility, wisdom and exemplary leadership, saying his ability to identify, mentor and empower emerging leaders remains one of the defining attributes of his public life.

The Oshimili South legislator also expressed profound appreciation for the opportunity she had to serve under his administration, describing the confidence he reposed in her as a privilege she would always treasure.

“I remain deeply grateful for the confidence you reposed in me through the opportunity to serve under your administration. Your willingness to identify, encourage and empower emerging leaders is one of the enduring qualities that defines your legacy, and I will always cherish the trust you placed in me,” she said.

Anyafulu observed that beyond his achievements in office, Okowa’s enduring influence continues to resonate through the lives he has touched, the leaders he has nurtured and the institutions he helped strengthen.

She prayed that God would continue to bless the former governor with good health, renewed strength, divine wisdom, peace and many more years of fulfilment, happiness and impactful service to humanity.

“As you celebrate another year of God’s faithfulness and grace, I join your family, friends, associates and numerous well-wishers in thanking God for the gift of your life and your invaluable service to our dear state and nation,” she added.

She concluded by wishing the former governor a memorable birthday celebration and many more years of impactful leadership and service.

Senator Dr Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa and Hon Bridget Ifechukwukwu Anyafulu, Esq

Oborevwori Celebrates Okowa At 67, Hails His Enduring Contributions To Delta State

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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has joined family members, friends, political associates and well-wishers in celebrating his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON, as he marks his 67th birth anniversary.

Oborevwori in a goodwill message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, paid tribute to the former Governor’s decades of public service, describing his political journey as one defined by God’s grace, commitment, experience and dedication to the advancement of Delta State and Nigeria.

The Governor said Okowa had built an impressive record of service across different levels of government, rising from Secretary of the defunct Ika Local Government Council, pioneer Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Council to Commissioner, Secretary to the State Government, Senator of the Federal Republic and, ultimately, Governor of Delta State for two consecutive terms.

According to Oborevwori, the former Governor’s extensive experience in governance and politics, coupled with his passion for development, had earned him a prominent place in the political history of the state.

He noted that Okowa’s eight years as Governor witnessed significant interventions across critical sectors, adding that his administration contributed to the development trajectory upon which the state continues to advance.

The Governor said: “On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Delta State, I warmly congratulate our distinguished leader and former Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON, on the celebration of his 67th birth anniversary.

“Your journey through public service has been remarkable, reflecting years of sacrifice, resilience and commitment to the progress of our people. From the grassroots to the highest levels of state and national service, you have continued to demonstrate a profound understanding of governance and leadership.

“You remain a respected political leader and statesman whose experience, strategic insight and contributions to the growth of Delta State are deeply appreciated.

“Your tenure as Governor left important footprints in the development of our state, while your continuing commitment to peace, unity and progress remains worthy of commendation.”

Continuing, Oborevwori said; “As you celebrate this significant milestone, I join your family, friends, associates and admirers in thanking Almighty God for His faithfulness in your life.

“May He continue to bless you with sound health, renewed strength, wisdom, peace and many more fulfilling years of service to Delta State, Nigeria and humanity”.

THE FACTS DR. TOSIN AJAYI LEFT BEHIND CANNOT BE IGNORED

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This case should not begin with Dr. Tosin Ajayi’s death. It should begin with how he chose to live his life.

The dead cannot speak. But their lives speak for them.

Why would a respected medical practitioner, a man of sound mind and impeccable judgment, leave Adenike Yemisi Ajayi over 35 years ago and never return?

Dr. Tosin Ajayi left Adenike Ajayi 10 years before he met Helen Prest Ajayi, whom he later married. He then spent the next 25 years building a life and family with Helen in full view of relatives, friends, professional associates and society.

If Adenike Ajayi truly believed she remained Dr. Tosin Ajayi’s lawful wife, why did she remain silent for more than three decades?

Why did she never challenge him?

Why did she never petition for divorce?

Why did she never seek maintenance?

Why did she never ask any court to declare that she was still his wife?

Most importantly, why did she never challenge either Helen Prest Ajayi or Dr. Tosin Ajayi during his lifetime?

Another question people are asking is this: if Dr. Tosin Ajayi truly believed he remained legally married to Adenike Yemisi Ajayi, why did he never seek a divorce before openly building a new life with Helen Prest Ajayi?

For the next 35 years, Dr. Tosin Ajayi lived without any apparent concern that he needed to dissolve an existing marriage.

For 25 years, he openly introduced Helen Prest Ajayi as his wife, built a family with her, and lived that life publicly. His actions suggest that he did not believe there was a marriage requiring dissolution.

The court also heard evidence from Adenike Ajayi herself that she was unable to authenticate the alleged marriage in the manner required by law because the marriage certificate could not be found in the official registry.

The court further had before it an earlier consent judgment relating to participation in Dr. Tosin Ajayi’s funeral. In those proceedings, Adenike Ajayi entered into a consent judgment recognising both herself and Helen Prest Ajayi as co-wives. That judgment was tendered and admitted into evidence by Adenike Ajayi herself. It is difficult to understand why the trial court failed to attach due weight to that earlier judicial record.

Respectfully, these are matters that deserved far greater consideration.

Taken together, these are not minor issues. They are significant pieces of evidence which, it is respectfully maintained, were not given the weight they deserved.

They also raise a simple question deserving careful consideration: if there was no marriage that could be legally established, what exactly was there to divorce?

Moreover, the evidence before the court showed that in 2010, Adenike Yemisi Ajayi attended her own daughter’s wedding in London, a wedding organised by Helen Prest Ajayi, the widow of Dr. Tosin Ajayi.

The seating arrangements, prepared by Adenike Ajayi’s own daughter, Mayowa Okeowo (née Ajayi), placed Dr. Tosin Ajayi and Helen Prest Ajayi together as husband and wife, while Adenike Ajayi was seated at another table.

There was no protest.
There was no objection.
There was no legal action.

For more than 35 years, there was no public, private or business relationship between Adenike Yemisi Ajayi and Dr. Tosin Ajayi. There was no evidence of a continuing marriage. There was no attempt to prevent him from openly living his life with another woman for a quarter of a century.

That silence speaks volumes.
The unfortunate reality is that the wealth Adenike Ajayi could not access during Dr. Tosin Ajayi’s lifetime is the wealth she now seeks to access after his death. It appears she believes that because Dr. Tosin Ajayi is no longer alive, he cannot answer for himself.

But if the dead cannot speak, their lives can.

For the last 35 years of his life, Dr. Tosin Ajayi’s actions consistently pointed in one direction. He left Adenike Ajayi and never returned. He had no relationship with her, publicly or privately. He did not share a home with her, build a life with her, or present her to the world as his wife. Instead, he chose to spend the next 25 years building a home and family with Helen Prest Ajayi.

His conduct over three and a half decades strongly suggests that he wanted nothing further to do with Adenike Ajayi. Those were not the actions of a man who intended to preserve a marital relationship.

They were the actions of a man who had made a deliberate and enduring choice about how—and with whom—he wished to live his life.

That is why many find this outcome difficult to understand. The judgment now has the effect of redirecting the fruits of Dr. Tosin Ajayi’s lifetime’s work to someone with whom, by his own consistent conduct over 35 years, he demonstrated no intention of resuming any relationship.

A further question naturally arises. If there were no substantial estate to inherit, would Adenike Ajayi still be asserting that she was Dr. Tosin Ajayi’s only wife?

This case is about far more than money. It concerns the reputation and legacy of Dr. Tosin Ajayi, a man who can no longer defend himself.

Dr. Tosin Ajayi can no longer come before any court to explain why he left Adenike Ajayi 35 years ago and never returned, why he spent the next 25 years with Helen Prest Ajayi, why he openly presented her as his wife, or why he lived his life exactly as he did.

But he did leave something behind.

He left the evidence of the life he lived.
The evidence of how he lived the final 35 years of his life cannot simply be brushed aside. His conduct, his relationships, and the life he openly lived tell a story that no witness can rewrite.

That is why it is respectfully maintained that the learned trial judge reached a conclusion that was against the weight of the evidence.

In the end, Dr. Tosin Ajayi has spoken—not with words, but through the choices he made during his lifetime. Those choices deserve to be given the weight they warrant.

The question the public is entitled to ask is this: should a court disregard the clear choices a person made throughout the final 35 years of his life and redirect the fruits of his lifetime’s work in a manner inconsistent with those choices, particularly when those choices were open, consistent and never challenged while he was alive?

IF THERE WAS NO ESTATE, WOULD THERE STILL BE A FIGHT?

For more than 35 years, Dr. Tosin Ajayi lived a life that everyone could see.

He left Adenike Ajayi over 35 years ago. He never returned.

He spent 25 years openly building a home and family with Helen Prest Ajayi.

There was no challenge during his lifetime.
Only after his death did the battle over his estate begin.

The question many people are now asking is simple:

If there were no substantial estate to inherit, would anyone still be claiming to be Dr. Tosin Ajayi’s only wife?

This case is about more than money.
It is about whether the choices a person makes throughout his lifetime should still matter after he is gone.

THE EVIDENCE SPOKE. WAS IT GIVEN THE WEIGHT IT DESERVED?

This case is not simply about an estate. It is about the weight that should be given to undisputed facts.

Adenike Ajayi admitted in court that she could not authenticate the alleged marriage because the marriage certificate could not be found in the official registry.

She also accepted an earlier consent judgment recognising both herself and Helen Prest Ajayi as co-wives.

Dr. Tosin Ajayi then spent the final 35 years of his life living openly apart from Adenike Ajayi and building a family with Helen Prest Ajayi.

These facts were before the court.
It is respectfully maintained that they deserved greater weight.
The dead cannot speak.

But the lives they lived and the evidence they leave behind should never be ignored.

DR. TOSIN AJAYI LEFT ADENIKE AJAYI 35 YEARS AGO. WHY SHOULD HIS CHOICES COUNT FOR NOTHING NOW?

The dead cannot speak. But their lives speak for them.

Dr. Tosin Ajayi left Adenike Ajayi over 35 years before his death. Ten years later, he met his widow, Helen Prest Ajayi, built a new family with her, and spent the next 25 years openly living as her husband.

If Adenike Ajayi believed she remained his lawful wife, why did she never challenge him while he was alive?

Why no court action?
Why no application for maintenance?
Why no protest?
Why 35 years of silence?

The evidence before the court also showed that Adenike Ajayi admitted she could not authenticate the alleged marriage as prescribed by law because the marriage certificate could not be found in the official registry. The court also had before it an earlier consent judgment recognising both women as co-wives.

These are not minor issues.

Dr. Tosin Ajayi can no longer speak for himself. But the life he lived speaks loudly.
The question the public is entitled to ask is this: should the clear choices a person made throughout the final 35 years of his life be ignored after his death?

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