Ondo Deputy Governor’s Lawyers Debunks Story Of His Alleged “Battle With Widow” – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

In a terse but explicit statement simply titled “A Rejoinder: Ondo Deputy Governor Not In Battle With Widow Over Abuja Land” signed by A.B. Mamman, Esq (Head of Chambers) and Ephraim Garba, Esq (DMP)
Idi DanAbubakar and Co.on behalf of the deputy governor, the legal team clarified as presented verbatim below:

His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State who is our client in this matter would have refrained from reacting to a false publication by some media outlets that he is in a battle with a widow over a parcel of land in Abuja, but for the fact that the public deserves a balanced version of the facts and indeed, the truth.

This is more so as the matter is already before a court of law, and therefore sub judice.

While the publishers of this malicious story listened only to the version presented by the Claimants, without the courtesy of contacting His Excellency’s lawyers for a fair balance of the story they intended to serve the public, it has become imperative to clear the air.

The intention is not to argue the case in the media, but to ensure that the public is not misled by parties who, having initiated a lawsuit, still chose to embark on a media trial rather than await the outcome of the judicial process.

As already alluded to, we shall be careful not to delve into the nitty-gritty of the facts that are the subject of ongoing litigation.

The very crucial fact which the public needs to know and which the said publications deliberately ignored—is that while the title document the Claimants rely upon to lay claim to the disputed land is dated the 11th day of December, 2000, the title document relied upon by our client is dated the 25th day of August, 2000. In essence, the title document of our client is first in time.

It is also germane to make the point that the rival claim over the said property predates our client’s emergence as Deputy Governor of Ondo State.

It is only after he assumed this exalted office that the Claimants resorted to litigation.

The publication, therefore, is without justification, clearly aimed at whipping up sentiment unnecessarily—an attempt to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it.

Beyond the bare legal issues, it is also important to remind the public of the character of the man being maligned.

It is worthy of mention that the Deputy Governor, alongside his wife, co-founded the Elizabeth Foundation, a humanitarian initiative that has, for many years, catered for the welfare of widows both in Owo, his hometown, and in Abuja. Every year, more than a thousand widows receive financial empowerment, training, and welfare support through this platform. Many widows who once lived in despair have regained dignity and independence because of his consistent personal sacrifice and commitment.

It is, therefore, inconceivable to suggest that a man who has dedicated his life and resources to uplifting widows would, in turn, oppress one. The very suggestion defies logic and common sense.

Our client believes in the strength of his case and remains optimistic that the Court shall, at the end of the day, do justice to the matter. In the meantime, he remains steadfast in his service to the people of Ondo State and in his lifelong commitment to supporting the vulnerable and giving hope to widows.

Signed: A.B. Mamman, Esq (Head of Chambers) and Ephraim Garba, Esq (DMP).
Idi DanAbubakar and Co.