The Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, has opted to withdraw his litigation threat against the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams. This decision comes after Ayinde’s lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), sent a letter dated Wednesday, March 27, 2024, to Adams’ legal representatives at OKC Attorneys.
The legal dispute stemmed from allegations made by Adams in a viral voice note, where he purportedly implicated Ayinde in a clandestine meeting with activist Sunday Igboho.
In response, both Igboho and Ayinde issued pre-action letters demanding retractions from Adams or else face legal consequences.
However, Adams denied responsibility for the circulated audio clip, labelling it as “concocted, distorted, and disjointed.” He emphasized that the clip was originally disseminated by Sunday Igboho, not himself, and referred to it as a snippet from a private conversation dating back to 2021.
In light of Adams’ denial and clarification, Ayinde’s legal counsel expressed their client’s understanding and willingness to put the matter to rest. They highlighted Ayinde’s expectation for truth, fairness, and the consideration of public interest in such exchanges.
In a conciliatory gesture, Adams’ lawyer, Oluwole Kehinde, conveyed appreciation for Ayinde’s decision to drop the claim, acknowledging his client’s candour and the value of constructive dialogue in resolving disputes.
This recent turn of events signifies a step towards de-escalation in the tensions between the parties involved, as they seek to address the issue with a spirit of cooperation and understanding.