Xmas gift: Rep, Party Chairman testify in Court over Banire’s suit

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

A member of the House Representatives, Mr Dauda Aare has testified in a N50million libel suit instituted by the Lagos State commissioner for Environment, Dr Muiz Banire against a former chairman of Mushin Local Government Area, Seye Oladejo.

Led in evidence by the claimant’s counsel, Mr Kunle Adegoke, Aare told the Ikeja High Court that the first defendant, Oladejo was driven out of the Action Congress Party, ACN, Secretariat in another car belonging to one Chief Shabi, following the incident of December 16, 2007 when fracas allegedly broke out over the collection of seasonal gift items for party members. Trial judge in the matter is Justice Aishat Opesanwo.

Banire had instituted the suit over alleged libelous publication against him, which was allegedly instigated by the former council chairman, Oladejo. Oladejo has, however, joined issues with the Commissioner, as he has filed a counter claim of N20 million to the suit. Following the adoption of his written statement on oath, the defence counsel, Rotimi Seriki took his turn to cross-examine the lawmaker. In his response to questions from the counsel, Are explained that he saw the defendant being taken away by one Shabi’s car, following a suggestion by the claimant, following the brawl.

He explained that Shabi was well known to both the claimant and the defendant. Are admitted that he saw Oladejo running and fell during a scuffle in an open field at the party secretariat. When asked to explain the difference between the two major political groups in Mushin area, the witness said as at the time of the incident, there were no groups.

Pressed further, he explained that two major groups, the Mandate Group and the Justice Forum were identifiable before the general elections in 2007, adding that he belonged to the Mandate Group prior to the 2007 general elections.

Also, Razak Amao, a ward chairman for ACN in Odeolowo /Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, LCDA, also testified for the claimant as a witness.