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Debt Recovery: Court Fixes January 18 for Preliminary Objections by Oyo Govt, Governors’ Forum, Others

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The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, from fixed January 18, 2021, to hear the preliminary objections of the Oyo State government, Incorporated Trustees of Nigerian Governors’ Forum and others to the suit filed against them by the Principal Partner of Femi Kehinde and Co, Hon Femi Kehinde.

The plaintiff had sued Ned Nwoko’s law firm, the Oyo State government, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the Accountant General of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and five others over the refusal of the law firm to pay 40 per cent of the sum of the N1 billion paid to it by the Oyo State government, through the Incorporated Trustees of Nigerian Governors’ Forum.

He had also asked the court to restrain the Oyo State government, Nigerian Governors’ Forum and three others from making any payment as it relates to professional or consultancy fees in respect to foreign loan recovery.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, counsel to the first to fourth defendants, Jephthah C. Ngikonyi (SAN) and other defendants informed the court of the notice of their preliminary objections.

But, the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako halted the adoption of the objections and adjourned till January 18, next year for the hearing of the objections to the suit.

Hon Femi Kehinde had, in a Writ of Summons numbered, FHC/ABJ/CS/212/20, filed through his counsel, Bola Aidi prayed the court to order Ned Nwoko Solicitors to pay him, “The sum of N400 million, being 40 per cent of the N1 billion (1st tranche) paid to the 1st defendant (Ned Nwoko Solicitors) as legal fees for services rendered by same as it relates to Oyo State government for the recovery of foreign debts.”

The Plaintiff also prayed the court for an order compelling the 1st defendant, which is a registered Law firm with the Law Society of England to pay him N20 million, representing 40 per cent of a consent judgment as well as another £159, 098, 00 as expenses incurred for prosecuting an arbitration in a London Court.

He also wants the court to order the 5th to 10th defendants in the suit to pay him 40 per cent of all the subsequent tranches of the professional fees due to the 1st to 4th defendants on the Oyo State foreign debts recovery or deduction from the Local Governments in Oyo State and for the court to order the defendants to pay him N20 million for prosecuting the suit.

The Plaintiff said, in a statement of claim that the 1st defendant engaged his services in 2007 to handle all issues pertaining to Oyo State foreign debt and that the condition for his engagement as an agent to the 1st defendant was dependent on the 1st defendant, being appointed as Solicitors to the Oyo state government to recover its foreign debts within four weeks.

He averred that the conditions, as contained in a retainership letter, as a local Attorney on March 24, 2007, including collation of all information and documentation of the various loans and agreements since 1982, provision of support needed by Ned Nwoko Solicitors, including litigation in any Nigerian court in any matter arising from the proposed contract with Oyo state, among others.

“The retainership agreement states clearly that the Plaintiff will be entitled to 40 per cent of whatever received from the Oyo State Government and that remains the understanding of parties.”

According to the Plaintiff, the Oyo State government enjoyed its services as an agent of Ned Nwoko Solicitors from December 7, 2007, to February 23, 2011, when a total sum of $148, 231, 966.94 million (which was paid in five tranches) was received by the state government.

He said the Oyo State government refused to comply with the terms of the agreement and did not pay Ned Nwoko Solicitors, a situation, he said made the 1st defendant give the Plaintiff the go-ahead to commence arbitration proceedings in London against the Oyo State government.

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Dominican University Hails Peter Obi on 65th Birthday

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The Dominican University, Ibadan, has paid glowing tribute to its Pro-Chancellor and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, on his 65th birthday, describing him as a visionary leader whose commitment to education, youth development and national progress continues to inspire generations of Nigerians.

In a goodwill message issued on Sunday, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Jacinta Opara, lauded Obi’s enduring passion for quality education, noting that his consistent investments in human capital and advocacy for educational excellence have strengthened institutions and offered hope to young people across the country.

According to Opara, Obi has, through his public service and private engagements, remained a steadfast champion of education, making it a cornerstone of his vision for national development.

She said his words, actions and unwavering support for learning had reinforced the conviction that education remains the most effective instrument for building a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable society.

The university also expressed appreciation for Obi’s contributions to the institution as Pro-Chancellor, describing his leadership, generosity and guidance as instrumental to its growth and development.

The statement noted that under his stewardship, Dominican University has continued to pursue academic excellence while remaining committed to its mission of producing morally upright and globally competitive graduates.

It read in part: “As a university founded a decade ago on the rich 800-year educational heritage of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), we remain profoundly grateful for your visionary leadership, generous support and invaluable contributions as our Pro-Chancellor.”

The institution joined family members, associates and well-wishers in celebrating Obi’s milestone, praying for continued good health, wisdom, strength and divine guidance as he continues to advocate good governance, human dignity, hope and national development.

The message, signed by the Vice-Chancellor, reaffirmed the university’s pride in its association with Obi, whose dedication to education, integrity and selfless service, it said, continues to leave a lasting impact on the nation and inspire future generations.

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Ooni of Ife Loses Elder Brother Prince Adetunji

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The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has announced the passing of his immediate elder brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi.

The monarch made the announcement in a statement released on Sunday through the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal.

Describing the late prince as a respected businessman and compassionate leader, the Ooni said Prince Adetunji lived a life dedicated to service, humility and the wellbeing of others.

According to the statement, the death of Prince Adetunji has left a deep void in the Ogunwusi family, the Ojaja Royal Dynasty and the entire Ile-Ife Kingdom.

Prince Adetunji, who was born on December 8, 1967, was a member of the Ojaja lineage of the Giesi Ruling House in Ile-Ife. He was also the Group Chairman of Primewaterview Holdings, where he earned recognition for his contributions to business development and entrepreneurship.

The Ooni noted that his late brother built a reputation as an innovative entrepreneur and visionary leader. Through his business activities, he created opportunities for many people and contributed to economic growth in different sectors.

The monarch further stated that beyond his achievements in business, Prince Adetunji was known for his generosity, kindness and commitment to humanitarian causes. He was said to have quietly supported many individuals and families, offering assistance, guidance and encouragement whenever needed.

The statement added that Prince Adetunji’s influence extended beyond the corporate world, as he remained deeply connected to his roots and maintained a strong interest in the progress and development of Ile-Ife and its people.

The Ooni described his late brother as a dependable adviser, a loving family member and a man whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

Family members, friends, associates and well wishers have continued to pay tribute to the late prince, remembering him for his humility, wisdom and positive impact on society.

The palace said further details regarding funeral arrangements and other ceremonies would be announced by the family in due course.

Prince Adetunji’s death marks a significant loss to the royal family and the people of Ile-Ife, who will remember him for his service, leadership and dedication to humanity.

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Harakati Za Holds Pan-African Conference on Economic Restructuring, Political Reforms, Regional Integration in Accra

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More than 200 delegates from across Africa are expected to converge in Accra on July 24, 2026, for an international conference on “Economic Restructuring, Political Reforms and Integration for Sustainable Development in Africa.”

The conference, organised by Harakati Za Muungano, will take place at the GNAT Hall and will bring together policymakers, academics, business leaders, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, youth leaders and development partners to explore practical solutions for accelerating Africa’s development through deeper regional integration.

Harakati Za Muungano, a Swahili phrase meaning “Union Movement,” is a pan-African movement committed to promoting African unity, economic transformation and governance reforms that support sustainable development.

The organisation believes that Africa’s vast human and natural resources can only be fully harnessed through stronger regional cooperation, enhanced intra-African trade and governance systems that place the continent’s long-term development at the centre of public policy.

Since its establishment in November 2023, the movement has expanded its operations to 17 African countries, engaging governments, regional institutions, traditional leaders, professionals, youth groups and community organisations.

Its work focuses on policy advocacy, research, civic engagement and humanitarian initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive development, strengthening regional cooperation and encouraging reforms that improve the quality of life of Africans.

The conference will provide a platform for participants to deliberate on critical issues affecting the continent, including constitutional reforms, economic restructuring, regional market integration, industrialisation, governance continuity and sustainable financing models for development.

Organisers expect the discussions to produce practical recommendations that can inform policy decisions at both national and regional levels.

A major focus of the conference will be the movement’s vision of a more integrated Sub-Saharan Africa where barriers to trade and movement are reduced, economic collaboration is strengthened and governments adopt policies that encourage long-term planning, investment and shared prosperity.

The organisation believes that greater integration will unlock new opportunities for businesses, create jobs, promote industrial growth and enhance Africa’s global competitiveness.

Organisers say the conference represents an important opportunity for African leaders and stakeholders to collectively examine bold and innovative approaches to the continent’s future.

With over 200 delegates expected from across the continent, the event is anticipated to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen partnerships and advance a shared vision of an economically resilient, politically stable and fully integrated Africa.

-Overseeronline.com

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