Ondo Court Summons Ex-Gov Akeredolu’s Wife, Journalist Over Libel Case

A High Court in Akure, Ondo State, has summoned Mrs. Betty Akeredolu, former First Lady of the state, and Olumide Akinrinlola, publisher of Starnews Online Newspapers, over allegations of libel.

The summons follows a petition filed by the Ondo State Commissioner of Finance, Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac, who is seeking ₦1 billion in damages over a publication in Starnews Online on February 13, 2025.

The article, titled “I Wouldn’t Be a Widow If Aketi Had Listened to Me – Betty Akeredolu Talks Tough,” allegedly contained defamatory statements against Isaac.

As part of the lawsuit, Isaac is also demanding a public retraction of the publication and an unreserved apology in two national newspapers.

The court’s summons, signed by Registrar Adebanjo T.A., directs the defendants to appear before the Akure Judicial Division of the Ondo State High Court within 30 days of receiving the writ. It warns that failure to comply could lead to the court proceeding with the case in their absence.

More details to follow…