Legal Affairs
Gani Adams slams slams N5bn lawsuit on Sunday Igboho over privacy invasion
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams has taken legal action against Chief Sunday Adeyemo, widely recognized as Sunday Igboho, a prominent Yoruba Nation activist by filing a ₦5 billion lawsuit against him.
Adams filed the substantial lawsuit seeking ₦5 billion in damages in an Oyo State High Court.
Iba Gani alleges that Sunday Igboho unlawfully recorded and publicly disseminated a confidential telephone conversation between him and a third party, without obtaining his prior consent.
Adams asserts that “this unauthorized disclosure has caused significant harm to his reputation.”
“Pursuant to Suit No. M/1006/2024, Iba Gani seeks judicial relief for the alleged infringement of his fundamental right to privacy, as enshrined in Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The constitutional provision according to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) guarantees the right to private and family life, freedom from unlawful attacks on reputation, and protection of privacy.
According to Adams, “the publication of private phone conversations without consent is a grave transgression, contravening statutory provisions and constitutional safeguards.”
He condemns Igboho’s conduct as irresponsible, injurious, and damaging to his reputation as the Aare Ona Kakanfo.
The Aare stated that “Igboho publicly disseminated a recorded private conversation on social media platforms in April 2024, resulting in considerable embarrassment and reputational damage to him.”
Consequently, he seeks exemplary and compensatory damages to redress the harm suffered and deter future violations.”
“The ongoing case in Nigeria highlights the critical issue of privacy boundaries and seeks to establish the limits of individuals’ rights to record and release conversations without obtaining consent from all parties involved,” Vanguard reported.
Who is Gani Adams?
Iba Gani Adams is a Nigerian politician, activist, and a traditional leader. He is the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, a prestigious title conferred on him in 2017.
Early life and education of Gani Adams
Adams was born on April 30, 1970, in Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria. He attended St. Peter’s Unity Secondary School, Akure and graduated from the University of Lagos where he studied Political Science.
Career and activism of Gani Adams
Aare is the leader of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), a nationalist organization promoting Yoruba interests.
Gani Adams advocates for Yoruba self-determination and regional autonomy and he is a vocal critic of corruption, bad governance, and human rights abuses.
Also, he played a key role in the June 12, 1993, democratic struggle.
Aare Ona Kakanfo
Gani was conferred with the title of Aare Ona Kakanfo (Generalissimo) of Yorubaland in 2017 making him the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo, succeeding Moshood Abiola.
His responsibilities as Aare include promoting Yoruba culture, unity, and interests.
Achievements of Gani Adams
Adams led the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) in various struggles for social justice and human rights. He advocated for regional autonomy and resource control.
Challenges and controversies
Gani faces criticism from some quarters for his militant approach to activism, involved in disputes with other Yoruba leaders and groups, and he was accused of inciting violence and ethnic tensions (denied by Adams).
Personal life
Aare is married to Mojisola Adams and they have three children, two sons and a daughter.
His grandfather is Chief Obafemi Awolowo (Nigerian nationalist).
Books and publications
He published “The Kangaroo Court: A Memoir of My Incarceration” in 2012, “The Rise and Fall of the Nigerian Left” in 2015 and “Yoruba Nation: Beyond the Politics of Oil” in 2019.
Adams has authored several books on Yoruba history and politics and he is frequently quoted in Nigerian media on issues of governance, security, and regional autonomy.
Awards and recognition
Aare Ona Kakanfo received in 2018 an Honorary Doctorate in Law from the University of Ife.
In 2020, he was awarded the Yoruba Man of the Year Award by the Yoruba Council of Elders and in 2022 he received the National Hero Award by the Nigerian Human Rights Community.
Speeches and quotes
“The Yoruba nation will continue to demand self-determination and regional autonomy.”
“We must reject the politics of division and unite against corruption and bad governance.”
“The June 12 struggle was a defining moment in Nigeria’s history, and we must never forget its lessons.”
Legacy and impacts
Gani Adams led the OPC in struggles for social justice and human rights, advocated for Yoruba self-determination and regional autonomy, and inspired a new generation of Yoruba activists and leaders.
Recent news
Involvement in the 2020 #EndSARS protests and comments on national security, economic development, and Yoruba unity.
Social media
His X handle is @AareGaniAdams and on Facebook @AareGaniAdams.
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