In a legal letter addressed to actress Iyabo Ojo, solicitors to Azeez Fashola – popularly known as Naira Marley – have demanded a sum of 500 million Naira as damages for alleged libel and false accusations published on Ojo’s official Instagram handle.
By Shalom Kasim
The letter, dated December 12, 2023, states that Naira Marley, an internationally renowned British and Nigerian singer/artist, was engaged by the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to use his influence to discourage substance abuse among his millions of followers and Nigerian youths.
According to the solicitors, in September 2023, Iyabo Ojo maliciously and falsely published statements on her Instagram handle “@iyaboojofespris,” accusing Naira Marley of being a drug addict and alleging that he laced the food and drinks given to boys staying with him with drugs, causing destructive consequences in their lives.
The legal document details further defamatory statements made by Ojo, including accusations of Naira Marley’s involvement in the alleged murder of his former signee, Mohbad. These publications, the solicitors argue, have caused colossal damage to Naira Marley’s reputation, leading to public ridicule and contempt.
For an act of contrition, the letter demands that a public apology be published on Iyabo Ojo’s official Instagram handle and one national daily within seven days from the receipt of the letter. Failure to comply with these demands would result in Naira Marley commencing legal proceedings against Ojo for damages, while being handed an injunction restraining further defamatory statements.
The letter emphasizes Naira Marley’s willingness to explore an amicable settlement, but warns of legal action if no resolution is reached within seven days.
