AAU Ex-VC’s N500m Defamation Suit Against Former Pro-Chancellor Adjourned Over Counsel’s Death

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The hearing of a N500 million defamation suit instituted by former Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Prof. Onimawo Akhakhia, against the institution’s former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Lawson Omokhodion, has been stalled following the death of the claimant’s lead counsel, Chief Henry Ogbodu (SAN).

Prof. Onimawo, in Suit No. B/1103/2023, is seeking N500 million in damages for alleged libel over statements contained in Chief Omokhodion’s book, Lawson A. Omokhodion: Powered by Poverty- A Story of Adversity, Ambition, Diligence and Triumph, particularly the chapter titled Brazen Corruption in the Ivory Tower.

The defendant, Chief Omokhodion in his response filed a counterclaim on April 12, 2024, claiming the sun of N1 billion from the plaintiff, Prof. Onimawo, alleging that the former vice Chancellor defamed him in an interview he granted Thisday Newspaper, published on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 edition, under the heading ‘Corruption: AAU VC, Council Chairman Trade Accusations’

However, Prof. Onimawo in his claim, alleged that the publication portrayed him as “a thief, corrupt and dishonest,” and further depicted him as a fraudster, thereby damaging his reputation and exposing him to public ridicule, embarrassment and emotional distress.

The former vice chancellor is also asking the court to restrain Omokhodion from making any further defamatory publications against him.

In his response, Chief Omokhodion filed a N1 billion counterclaim on April 12, 2024, alleging that Prof. Onimawo defamed him in an interview he granted Thisday Newspaper.

According to the former Pro-Chancellor, the interview contained false and malicious allegations that tarnished his image and reputation.

He maintains that the contents of his book are accurate and “empirically verifiable.”

Omokhodion also denied allegations that he purchased an official vehicle for N57 million while serving as Chairman of AAU’s Governing Council.

Omokhodion is asking for the sum of N1 billion in his counterclaim in general damages over the publication, titled: “Corruption: AAU VC, Council Chairman Trade Accusations, published on September 16, 2020.

He further prayed the court to order Prof. Onimawo and Thisday Newspaper to publish an unreserved apology in a prominent position of the Newspaper, also joined in the counterclaim by the respondent.

At the continuation of hearing of the case on Thursday June 25, the presiding judge, Justice Urho Erameh of the Edo State High Court 6, adjourned proceedings on the case after counsel to the defendant, Henry Abuah, who represented the respondent’s lead counsel, Kingsley Obamogie (SAN), informed the court that his principal was attending a meeting in preparation for the burial of the late Barrister B.N. Ogbodu, SAN, who happens to be the lead counsel to the Claimant.

Abuah urged the court to grant an adjournment as a mark of respect for the deceased senior advocate of Nigeria.

However, a lawyer from Ogbodu’s chambers opposed the application, arguing that the defendant “cannot cry more than the bereaved.”

He contended that the death of the claimant’s counsel should not hinder the continuation of the proceedings, particularly as the defendant’s legal team was present in court.

The claimant’s counsel also urged the court to award N800,000 in costs against the defendant should the application for adjournment be granted.

In a brief ruling, Justice Erameh granted the request for adjournment, stating that “the cost shall be in the cause,” and fixed October 20, 2026, for the continuation of hearing.