Counsel’s death stalls ex-VC’s N500m defamation suit against ex-Pro-Chancellor

From Ighomuaye Lucky , Benin
The hearing of the 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 Akhakhia 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...