By Eric Elezuo
A Lagos High Court sitting in Yaba has granted a Motion Exparte on Pre-emptive Order, restraining a Lagos politician, Prince Bayo Osiyemi and New Age Publishers Limited from going ahead to publish his forthcoming book as a result of its content considered libelous.
The contentious publication, published on August 10, 2024, in an online publication reportedly contained hyperbolic fabrications which has received condemnation from informed readers. One of such is the Claimant, Randy Ehikioya Ordia, who approached the court and filed the motion seeking a preemptive order, through his lawyer, Akinwole Okenile.
In a court judgement signed by the Registrar, Okuo O. S., and dated August 16, 2023, the presiding judge, Hon Justice E. O. Ashade ruled that the defendants and their agents, privies, representatives, and/or assigns or any other publication outfit are restrained from carrying out any further act of libelous publication regarding the content.
The Court also restrained the “Defendants from publishing the 1st Defendant’s memoir to be published by the 1st Defendant or any other publication outfit pending full compliance with Pre Action Protocol”.
It however, directed the parties in the suit to seek mediation at the Lagos State Multidoors Courthouse (LMDC) and adjourned proceedings till August 25, 2024 for report of settlement.
