10th May, 2012
Former Senator Iyiola Omisore has sued Global Media Limited, publisher of the National Mirror for N1 billion for alleged libel.
Also sued for N100 million in the general writ of summons dated May 8, with suit number HOS/52/2012, was Mr. Wale Folarin, Osun State Correspondent of the newspaper. The suit followed a story published by the newspaper on April 23, stating that Omisore threatened to attack Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s motorcade.
In the suit filed at an Osogbo High Court, Omisore claimed N1billion as damages from the newspaper and N100 million from the reporter.
“You (National Mirror Newspaper and Folarin) are hereby commanded that within 42 days after the service of this writ on you, cause an appearance to be entered for you in an action at the suit of Sen. IyiolaOmisore,” the writ of summons read in part.
Omisore’scounsel, Mr Kehinde Adesiyan, who issued the writ of summons, noted that the newspaper and its reporter, on April 23, maliciously wrote and published a false story.
The counsel claimed that the defendants circulated false, malicious and most embarrassing and defamatory words that quoted Omisore out of context.
“The Nation’’, another newspaper, also published the malicious and reckless, defamatory remarks in its April 23, edition in furtherance of the malignity of the claimant (Omisore).
“The first defendant (National Mirror) further posted on the Internet, inclusive of Sahara Reporter site amongst others; the said malicious, false and scandalous publication.
“The claimant shall rely on the National Mirror publication with the bold first page banner headline: `Omisore threatens attack on Aregbesola’s Convoy’, the counsel said.
Omisore argued in the suit that Folarin who wrote the story quoted him out of context because he was not physically present at his Ile-Ife residence, venue of the interview. He claimed the said story had consequently injured his credibility, character and reputation and had brought him to public scandal, odium, contempt and ridicule
