Nigerian gospel singer Tope Alabi has threatened to sue anyone who publishes or disseminates untrue and disparaging remarks about her.
The threat was made after a certain Tayo claimed on Facebook that gospel singer Toluwanisings’ death was caused by Alabi, Woli Agba, Dele Omo Woli, and Woli Arole.
Her lawyers, Oakmount Legal Practitioners, revealed in a notice on Friday that they had been directed to take legal action against those who create, duplicate, repost, distribute, or magnify such publications.
“Public notice, caution against false and defamatory publications concerning Evangelist Tope Alabi. Take notice, that we are the Solicitors to Evangelist Patricia Temitope Alabi, professionally known as Evangelist Tope Alabi (“hereinafter referred to as our Client”), a renowned minister of the gospel, gospel recording artist, songwriter, actress and public figure of national and international repute, on whose instructions this Notice is issued,” the notice reads.
“Take further notice that our Client has, for almost thirty (30) years, built a reputation of integrity, honour and public trust in her personal, professional and spiritual life. That reputation is a valuable personal and professional asset, and it is protected by law.
“And whereas it has come to our Client’s attention that false, misleading and injurious statements concerning her have been, and may continue to be, published and circulated to the public, whether in print, broadcast, online or by word of mouth. Now therefore, the public is hereby put on notice and cautioned as follows.”
“That any person who, without lawful justification, publishes or causes to be published, whether in writing, in print, through images, videos, audio, electronic or social media posts, or any other permanent form (libel), or by spoken words, broadcasts, interviews, podcasts, live streams, voice notes or any other transient form (slander), any statement concerning our Client which is false, malicious or calculated to injure her reputation, shall be held personally liable for such publication,” it reads.
“That liability may extend, inter alia, to the originator of the statement and to any person who repeats, republishes, reposts, shares, forwards or otherwise amplifies the same, depending on the circumstances of the publication and any applicable legal defences.
“That the use of anonymous, pseudonymous or unverified accounts does not, of itself, confer immunity from legal liability. Where necessary and legally permissible, our Client reserves the right to seek appropriate orders from a court of competent jurisdiction for the identification of persons responsible for the offending publications, including through relevant platforms, hosts or service providers.
“That any person who has already published such material is hereby required to remove the same forthwith and to desist from any further publication. Such removal shall not, of itself, absolve the person of liability for publication already made.
“That our Client has instructed us to institute proceedings against any person whose conduct gives rise to an actionable claim, without further notice or recourse, and to seek, inter alia: (a) general, and, where legally available and justified, aggravated or exemplary damages; (b) injunctions restraining further publication of the offending material or any similar material; (c) an order compelling the publication of a retraction and an unreserved public apology; (d) the costs of the action on a full indemnity basis; and (e) such further or other reliefs as the court may deem fit to grant.
“That our Client reserves the right to pursue all such remedies as may be available under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to refer appropriate cases to the relevant authorities.”
“Provided that nothing in this Notice is intended to restrict truthful statements, fair comment on matters of public interest, or the lawful exercise of the right to freedom of expression guaranteed by law,” it added.
“All our Client’s rights and remedies are expressly reserved. Be advised accordingly.”
In my view, people who knowingly spread false claims should face legal consequences. It’s troubling when someone’s reputation is damaged simply for online attention or clout. If you don’t have the facts, don’t present rumors as truth you can’t know the emotional toll or harm you may cause. People work hard to build their names, and those reputations deserve to be treated responsibly. If Tope Alabi pursues legal action, it could serve as a warning and encourage others to think carefully before posting.
Live with Purpose, Love with Passion. Remember to be happy
One ❤️❤️❤️
Rose Ajieh
