Gbajabiamila gives Adeyemi 72‑hour ultimatum: retract or face N10bn suit
Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, acting through his legal team, has given Mr. Adeyemi—a controversial director general often linked to a purported 'fake agency'—a 72‑hour ultimatum to withdraw allegations made against him or face a N10 billion defamation lawsuit and possible criminal prosecution. The ultimatum was delivered via a letter from Gbajabiamila’s lawyers, demanding a public retraction and warning that failure to comply will trigger legal action aimed at protecting the Speaker’s reputation.
This development matters because it highlights how senior public officials can deploy massive financial threats to silence critics, raising concerns about the misuse of defamation law to stifle free speech and deter whistleblowing. The involvement of a high‑ranking figure such as the Speaker of the House of Representatives amplifies the potential chilling effect on journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens who dare to question governmental actions or alleged irregularities.
Readers should note the specific demands: a public retraction within three days and the threat of a N10 billion suit plus prosecution. If you are a journalist, activist, or citizen commenting on public affairs, consider documenting any threats you receive and seeking legal advice or support from press‑freedom organisations. Keep an eye on whether the ultimatum is met or if legal proceedings follow, as the outcome will signal how far officials may go to protect their image using legal mechanisms.