Traditional Rulers, Market Women, Youths Back Omowumi Issac in court Defamation Case

The premises of the Ondo State High Court witnessed a large turnout of supporters on Tuesday as community leaders, traditional rulers, market groups, youth organisations, women associations and other stakeholders gathered in solidarity with the Ondo State Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, during the hearing of her defamation suit against 35 individuals.

Mrs. Isaac, alongside her brother, Mr. Kunle Odide, instituted the legal action over an alleged libellous publication published in the Nigerian Tribune of February 2, 2026. According to counsel to the claimants, Olaoluwa Imoru, the publication contained statements that were false, malicious and injurious to the reputation of his clients.

Addressing journalists after the proceedings, Imoru explained that the claimants are seeking declarations that the publication was defamatory, disparaging and damaging to their reputation, in addition to aggravated, general and special damages. He also stated that the claimants are demanding a public retraction and apology, insisting that nothing less would adequately remedy the harm allegedly caused.

The counsel particularly faulted the description of Mrs. Isaac as the “mother of the State Governor,” arguing that the expression falsely suggested that she exercised undue influence or authority over Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. He maintained that Mrs. Isaac serves strictly as an appointee of the governor, remains accountable to him in the discharge of her official duties, and does not wield the kind of influence portrayed in the publication.

Supporters who thronged the court premises described Mrs. Isaac as a disciplined public servant with an established record of professionalism and integrity. They commended her decision to seek legal redress through the courts, describing it as a demonstration of confidence in the rule of law and the judicial process.

After hearing preliminary submissions from counsel, Justice Fasanmi adjourned the matter until October 8, 2026, for further proceedings.