The Edo State High Court in Benin has adjourned until December 15, 2026, to hear an application challenging the joinder of ThisDay Newspapers in a N1 billion defamation counterclaim filed by Chief Lawson Omokhodion, former Pro-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma.
The case, brought by the university’s former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Onimawo Akhakhia, came up on Tuesday before Justice Urho Erameh.
The dispute began with a N500 million libel suit (Suit No. B/1103/2023) filed by Akhakhia against Omokhodion over a book the latter authored, “Lawson A. Omokhodion: Powered by Poverty—A Story of Adversity, Ambition, Diligence and Triumph.” Akhakhia claims a chapter titled “Brazen Corruption in the Ivory Tower” portrays him as a thief, corrupt and a fraudster, damaging his reputation.
In a counterclaim filed on April 12, 2024, Omokhodion is seeking N1 billion in damages over a September 16, 2020 newspaper interview headlined “Corruption: AAU VC, Council Chairman Trade Accusations.” He alleges the publication contained false and malicious claims, insists his book is accurate and verifiable, and denies buying an official vehicle for N57 million while chairman of the Governing Council. He also wants Akhakhia and ThisDay to publish an unreserved apology.
At the hearing, Akhakhia’s counsel, Prof. Job Odion, said an application filed on October 6, 2026, seeks leave to amend the statement of claim and reply to the counterclaim. Omokhodion’s counsel, Chief Kingsley Obamogie (SAN), did not object but said the processes should be served on ThisDay, which had been joined.
Odion questioned the legal basis for including the newspaper, while Obamogie cited several judicial authorities supporting the joinder.
Justice Erameh directed Odion to file a formal motion if he wished to challenge the newspaper’s status, noting that ThisDay had already been joined as a party.
Speaking to journalists afterwards, Obamogie said the amendment would introduce additional facts into the case. Odion confirmed the application and said the court ordered that ThisDay be served.
The case had earlier suffered a setback with the death of Akhakhia’s lead counsel, Chief Henry Ogbodu (SAN).
