Seun Kuti, a Nigerian musician, singer and the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti has said that he stands by his position regarding statements he made on Instagram about the Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) gas processing contract case.
Speaking at a press conference at the Kalakuta Museum on Wednesday in Ikeja, Seun said it was important for Nigerians to be informed about this case while clarifying his position regarding statements made on his Instagram page about the (P&ID) gas processing contract case involving Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), Principal Partner to BA LAW LLP.
Ayorinde was Nigeria’s Representative in the case.
After five years of intense legal battle, Nigeria emerged victorious on October 23, 2023, in its case against P&ID Limited, which had sought the enforcement of an $11 billion debt in its favour.
On October 31 2023, Seun took to his Instagram page to comment on the case by insinuating that Ayorinde intentionally shared information with P&ID while representing Nigeria in the arbitration proceedings concerning their disputed gas contract.
Ayorinde through his law firm denied allegations made by Seun that its principal partner leaked documents to the P&ID company.
Following this, Seun was slammed with a libel and defamation of character lawsuit by Ayorinde which will come up for hearing in Oyo State on the 25th of January 2024.
Refuting any allegations of committing libel or defamation of character against Ayorinde, Seun said he only read out what the UK court said in their judgment.
According to Seun, “I went through the entire 140 pages, and everything I mentioned came straight from that judgment. But now, Ayorinde, who was Nigeria’s rep in the case, is dragging me to court, saying I defamed him. He even went to the police about it.”
Seun Kuti further stated, “I am surprised that despite the result of this case. No one is talking about it in Nigeria, not even a comment from the Nigerian Bar Association.
“In England, the case has had a serious effect on their arbitration system; from their tertiary institutions to their law institutions, the case is being analyzed to reform their system of arbitration.
At the press conference, Seun Kuti reiterated his earlier statements, expressing his unwavering dedication to the principles of transparency and justice.
“I called the press to carry them along and be with me as the eyes and ears of the Nigerian people. I didn’t call the press to be on my side but to monitor this issue to the end, to educate Nigerians to open their eyes”, he added.
Seun mentioned that he has been summoned by the Nigerian Police at 11 am on January 4, 2024, and he will be there physically unwavering.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
