Fresh Setback in the Tony Okoroji vs. Efe Omorogbe Defamation Case as Claimant Changes Counsel for the Third Time

The long-running defamation suit instituted in 2018 by Chief Tony Okoroji against Mr. Efe Omorogbe has suffered yet another setback following the claimant’s decision to change his legal representation for the third time since the commencement of the proceedings.

The latest development comes amidst reports of a deepening dispute between Mr. Okoroji and his erstwhile counsel, White Dove Solicitors, over unpaid professional fees. According to information available from court filings and industry sources, the law firm is currently engaged in a legal tussle with Mr. Okoroji concerning fees allegedly owed in connection with their handling of the ongoing defamation case.

It has been alleged however, that the real bone of contention revolves around a settlement payment from a corporate organization which, according to the firm, was contractually due to them but was instead allegedly diverted by TOPS, a company owned by Mr. Okoroji.

If substantiated, this allegation would further reinforce long-standing concerns regarding the corporate governance practices that have plagued the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) under Mr. Okoroji’s leadership. It will be recalled that similar governance and transparency issues were at the heart of the 2017 leadership crisis that culminated in Mr. Okoroji’s removal as Chairman of the COSON Board.

The current disruption in legal representation is expected to delay proceedings further, extending the already protracted litigation that has spanned seven years.

Counsel to Efe Omorogbe, B. E Ehiwele’s prayer for a substantial penalty against the claimant, Okoroji was granted by the Honorable Justice Folami of the Ikeja High Court.