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Gavel Int’l Lecture: Fagbemi, Oyebode, Adesina Lead Conversations

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The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN will lead other prominent Nigerians in the legal profession, media, and academics, on discussion about how to salvage the image of the Nigerian judiciary at the 2024 Gavel International Annual Conference slated for 29 November, 2024.

The event, with the theme: “The Judiciary as the Last Hope of the Common Man: Media and Legal Perspectives” will see Fagbemi deliver the Keynote Address.

The lecture is to be chaired by Mr. Gbenga Oyebode MFR, founder of Aluko & Oyebode Law Firm, one of Nigeria’s top law firms.

ALSO READ: Dangote Backs Tinubu’s CNG Initiative With Over $280m Investment

Oyebode also serves as Chairman of Nestle Nigeria Plc and Lafarge Africa. He also sits on the boards of EnterpriseNGR Professional Advocacy Group, Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the Rele Arts Foundation. Highly disciplined, he is passionate about developing education  in Nigeria, especially within the Justice system.

In addition, a former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Dele Adesina SAN will deliver the main lecture.

He is the Founder and Principal Partner, Dele Adesina LP and a Life Bencher. Adesina is an alumnus of University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife where he graduated in 1981. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1982 after graduating from the Nigerian Law School. He obtained his Master of Laws Degree from the University of Lagos. A legal practitioner with over 40 years in practice, he was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2007. He was a former member, Board of Regents, the Governing Council of Covenant University Ota and former Pro – Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council,  Ekiti State University Ado Ekiti.

Adesina is a prolific writer, author, and commentator who has published two major law-oriented books – The Force of Justice (2010), and New Developments in Law and Practice in Nigeria (2018).

The Publisher of Gavel International, Mustapha Ogunsakin said the 2024 annual lecture is designed to kick off conversations on the restoration of confidence of citizens in the country’s judiciary, which appears to be at an all time low.

“During the #Endsars protests in 2020, a very major court building, the Lagos High Court, Igbosere was razed by a mob. We saw the horrendous pictures of the burnt iconic building, particularly one of the arsonists in a lawyer’s garb of wig and gown, with a machete in his hand. For me, that is very a scary imagery. We must begin to restore the hope of the common man in the judiciary especially. The alternative is anarchy,” he said.

Ogunsakin posited that the legal and media professions — saddled with direct constitutional roles in the judicial system — must take the lead in restoring confidence in the judicial system.

“While the role of the legal profession is statutory, the media has the responsibility to represent the people by covering and reporting court proceedings, except it has to do with national security or cases involving minors. That is why the constitution made provision for a public gallery in every court where journalists occupy to report cases and disseminate to the public.”

He said the faculty constituted for the lecture comprises notable lawyers, journalists, and academics who will give perspectives on the subject.

Notable among the discussants is Prof Hope Eghagha, a professor of Literature and Literary Analysis at the University of Lagos who will speak on how Nigerians currently perceive their judiciary. He will be joined by Mr. Richard Akinnola, a foremost journalist and expert in judicial reporting, Mrs. Joke Layi-Babatunde, a Lagos-based lawyer, Mrs. Tomi Ajayi, jurist and expert in criminal law and proceedings, and Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa SAN, foremost human rights activist.

Gavel International news portal  has over the years hosted lectures and conferences in pursuit of its guiding principle — Rule of Law. In 2015, Gavel International presented a book, “For the love of their Nation, Lawyers as Agents of Change in Nigeria’’ authored by the publisher, Mustapha Ogunsakin. The public presentation of this book was done by the then Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN. Others in attendance at the event include Mr. Eyitayo Jegede SAN, then the Attorney General of Ondo State, Chief Anthony George-Ikoli SAN, the first SAN from Bayelsa State and a former Attorney General of the State, Mr. Ade Ipaye and a host of others.

In 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic raged, Gavel International hosted a stellar webinar conference, bringing together some of the most brilliant minds across the country to discuss on the topic: “Media Coverage of Virtual Court Proceedings: Prospects and Challenges. Prof. Osinbajo delivered the keynote address and was joined by others like human rights activist, Femi Falana SAN, Bode Olanipekun SAN, Prof Chidi Odinkalu, and Dr Reuben Abati to discuss the topic.

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Adeleke to Osun People: Assess Our Impact as You Mark Eid-el-Kabir

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Four gang-killed two in Osun, destroy N8M properties

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has congratulated Muslims in the state and across Nigeria on the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir.

According to a government house statement in Ososgbo on Wednesday, Gov Adeleke urged the citizens to use the ocassion to reflect on the values of sacrifice, obedience, love, and compassion which define the sacred festival.

He described Eid-el-Kabir as a season that reminds humanity of the importance of total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, as well as the need to uphold peace, unity, and kindness in society.

Gov Adeleke noted that the spiritual lessons of Eid-el-Kabir resonate strongly with the vision of his administration, which is built on service, fairness, and commitment to the welfare of the people.

The Governor called on residents of Osun State to use the festive period to assess the impact of his administration across critical sectors, including infrastructure, health, education, workers’ welfare, and social development, affirming that his government remains focused on delivering people-oriented governance and sustainable progress for all communities in the state.

“As you drive through our towns and villages, check through our deliveries and services to our people. We are committed to serving you now and all the time”, the governor was quoted as saying.

ALSO READ: Fresh Crisis Hits APC as Senators, Aspirants Reject Primary Results Across 9 States

He reassured Muslim faithful and all residents of the state of his administration’s unwavering commitment to religious harmony, inclusiveness, and equal opportunities for every citizen regardless of religious or political affiliation.

Gov Adeleke further urged Muslims to continue to embody the virtues of patience, tolerance, sacrifice, and generosity as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim, noting that such values are essential for building a peaceful and prosperous society.

While appreciating the continued support and cooperation of the people, the Governor reiterated his resolve to sustain the ongoing transformation across Osun State, stressing that governance must always reflect the aspirations and wellbeing of the masses.

He, however, cautioned against individuals who seek to manipulate religious or political sentiments to create division among the people, noting that Osun State has continued to witness stability and development because the people have rejected politics of bitterness and embraced unity and collective progress.

The Governor also encouraged well-meaning citizens to extend love and support to the needy, vulnerable, and less privileged during the celebration, emphasizing that compassion and humanity remain at the heart of the Eid-el-Kabir message.

“As we celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, I urge the people of Osun State to continue to pray for peace, unity, and progress in our dear state and nation. Let us also reflect on the journey so far and the visible impacts of good governance across our communities. Together, we will continue to build a better Osun for all,” the Governor stated.

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“You Are Stupid” — VDM Launches Fresh Attack on Presidential Spokesperson Onanuga

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A fresh political and social media clash has erupted after Nigerian activist Vincent Martins Ortse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, released a fiery video response targeting presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga over allegations linked to a controversial audio recording involving President Bola Tinubu.

The controversy began earlier today after Onanuga called for legal action against the activist, accusing him of circulating and amplifying what the Presidency described as a fake audio of the President and demanding prosecution for misinformation.

RELATED NEWS: VDM in Trouble as Presidency Seeks Legal Action Over Alleged Fake Tinubu Audio

In his post on X on Wednesday, Onanuga wrote “This VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the conveyor and disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu.”

The alleged audio, which has spread widely online, reportedly contains sensitive political remarks attributed to President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

The authenticity of the clip remains unverified, with speculation that it may have been generated using AI voice-cloning technology.

In a lengthy Facebook video response, VeryDarkMan dismissed the allegations and launched a direct verbal attack on Onanuga, while insisting he would not be intimidated by threats of prosecution.

Hee said “You are a very, very stupid old man. I’m not trying to insult you. Look at the dictionary meaning of stupid. That is the definition of who you are.”

“You are so daft, and this is the reason why I said President Tinubu should not come back in 2027. All the people that operate under him don’t use their brain.”

“I swear to God, I’m not getting my mind… this is part of an agenda. That is why you see this audio — I will not defend it. When I come back to Nigeria, I must feel the weight of the law… let me see it. You people think you can just silence people. This is Democracy, we have a right to criticize government when they are doing wrong.”

He also shifted focus to insecurity issues, referencing the Oyo school abduction incident, stating “Bandits went into a school in Oyo State… they carried three teachers, one man and two women. They carried students… we don’t even know if they are alive. As I speak to you today, those children are still in an unknown location. You have never made comments about that, but today you found your voice because of me.”

VeryDarkMan further accused online commentators of bias, claiming social media users were quick to support government narratives while ignoring national crises.

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VDM in Trouble as Presidency Seeks Legal Action Over Alleged Fake Tinubu Audio

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Popular social media influencer Vincent Martins Ortse, known as VeryDarkMan is facing possible legal action after the Presidency called for his prosecution over the circulation of an alleged fake audio recording purportedly involving President Bola Tinubu.

The call for legal action was made on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who accused the influencer of spreading misleading content capable of deceiving the public and damaging the image of the President.

ALSO READ: “Cancer Is Not a Joke, Show Proof’ – VDM Calls Out Blessing CEO

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Onanuga described the audio as fake and criticized VeryDarkMan for amplifying what he termed false information.

“This VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the conveyor and disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu. This is a clear case of an egregious abuse of the social media platform,” Onanuga stated.

The controversial audio clip, which went viral online, allegedly featured voice recordings attributed to President Tinubu making politically sensitive remarks ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The content included claims about insecurity in parts of the country, political negotiations during the 2023 elections, and comments on Nigeria’s economic situation.

There are suspicions that the audio may have been generated using artificial intelligence voice-cloning technology, though this has not been officially confirmed.

VeryDarkMan, in a video response shared online, urged his followers to critically assess the content before drawing conclusions. He also used the clip to criticize the President and expressed opposition to his possible re-election bid in 2027.

 

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