Delivering judgment, the court upheld the arguments of Chief Sunday Igboho’s legal counsel, Barrister Junaid Sanusi, who had challenged the validity of the affidavit filed in support of Iba Gani Adams’ claim

By Afolabi Ayodele

Ibadan, Nigeria – July 3, 2025
The Oyo State High Court, sitting at Iyaganku, Ibadan, has today dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, against Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Igboho Oṣa.

The matter, with suit number M/1006/2024, was brought before Hon. Justice Ademola-Salami of Court 15, and judgment was delivered on Tuesday, July 3, 2025.

Court Rules in Favour of Igboho, Awards ₦500,000 in Costs

Delivering judgment, the court upheld the arguments of Chief Sunday Igboho’s legal counsel, Barrister Junaid Sanusi, who had challenged the validity of the affidavit filed in support of Iba Gani Adams’ claim. The court agreed that the affidavit was procedurally defective, as it was neither deposed to by the applicant himself nor by someone who stated clearly they were informed by the applicant.

Furthermore, Justice Salami held that even if the affidavit were accepted, Iba Gani Adams failed to prove the key allegation that Chief Igboho tapped his telephone line, which formed the basis of his ₦5 billion claim for breach of privacy under Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution.

“There is no sufficient evidence to establish that the Respondent intercepted or unlawfully accessed the Applicant’s private communication,” the court ruled.

As a result, the court dismissed the application in its entirety and awarded ₦500,000 in costs to Chief Sunday Igboho.

Background of the Case

The case stemmed from a claim by Iba Gani Adams that his right to privacy was allegedly violated when Chief Sunday Igboho supposedly tapped his telephone line to access and record defamatory conversations made against Igboho.

Through his counsel, Barrister Sikiru Akinrele, Adams had asked the court to declare the action unlawful and to award him ₦5 billion in damages. He filed the suit as a fundamental rights enforcement application.

However, Chief Igboho’s counsel, Barrister Junaid Sanusi, filed a counter-affidavit and written address in response, urging the court to dismiss the case for lack of merit. He further argued in open court that the affidavit supporting the claim was procedurally defective and that no verifiable evidence was presented to support the allegation of phone tapping.

“The Applicant’s case is built on a faulty affidavit. If the foundation is bad, the case cannot stand,” Sanusi submitted.

A Major Legal Victory for Chief Igboho

Today’s judgment is seen as a significant legal victory for Chief Sunday Igboho, who has remained a prominent figure in the Yoruba Nation self-determination movement despite years of political persecution and exile.

Supporters gathered outside the court to celebrate the ruling, describing it as a win for justice and truth.

As of press time, there has been no official reaction from Iba Gani Adams or his legal team.

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