Sam Philip
An Akure High Court has adjourned to hear a preliminary objection filed by the lawmaker representing Ilaje Constituency II in Ondo State House of Assembly, Folawumi Fayemi-Obayelu claiming legislative immunity to a suit filed against her on defamation of character.
The governorship candidate of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Olugbenga Edema in the November 16, 2024 governorship election in Ondo State, had dragged Folawumi Fayemi-Obayelu before the court over for defaming his character during the last governorship election.
He is praying the court to grant for him N1 billion compensation to be paid by the Folawumi Fayemi-Obayelu.
In the suit filed on his behalf by his attorney,, Jamiu Aliu, the NNPP gubernatorial candidate prayed the court for a declaration that the defendant’s statement published on her Facebook page bearing Fayemi Olawumi Annah, which attracts thousands of views, many shares, and comments by members of the public, amounts to defamation, which injured his image before the general public.
He also prayed for an order of the court directing the defendant to pull down, delete, remove, and halt the circulation or propagation of the offensive and defamatory video clip published on her Facebook hamdle.
Edema, who also sought an order mandating the defendant to render a public apology and retraction of the false and malicious publication, demanded a sum of N1 billion as general damages for the injuries caused to him.
But Folawumi Fayemi-Obayelu, had filed a preliminary objection through her attorney, Prince Idowu Mafimisebi, claiming legislative immunity from prosecution or litigation during her course of duty as a lawmaker.
She prayed the court to dismiss the suit for being frivolous, vexatious, and violating the provisions of the Legislative House (Power and Privileges) law of the state, Cap 80 volume 11 of the state law.
The lawmaker further claimed that the statement she made was in her capacity as a sitting member of the State House of Assembly and that the suit seeks to curtail her right of freedom of speech, debate, and proceedings in the Assembly.
She claimed that she’s protected against any civil action in respect of any statement made by her in the House of Assembly under the provisions of sections 3,4,7,8,9, and 10 of the Assembly legislative powers and privileges.
However, the presiding judge, Justice Sunday Olorundahunsi, adjourned the hearing of the preliminary objection to July 10, 2025.