Oyo Matters
Damaging Allegations: Rotimi Ajanaku Demands Apology, N100M Compensation From Fresh FM Station
A renowned businessman, philanthropist, and political leader in Oyo State, Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku, has accused Fresh FM Nigeria, owned by popular gospel artiste, Yinka Ayefele of broadcasting false and damaging allegations against him, saying that the broadcast have severely dented his reputation.
Ajanaku through his legal representatives, Obisesan & Co. (The Law Union), has therefore served a strongly worded petition to the station’s Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director at Ayefele Music House, Challenge, Ibadan, demanding three immediate actions from Fresh FM: “A public apology to Otunba Ajanaku for the defamatory broadcast, a halt to any further defamatory comments or reports about him and the payment of ?100 million in general damages”.
The petition, signed by Chief (Dr) T.A. ’Lowo Obisesan, Chairman and Founding Partner of the law firm, accuses Fresh FM of airing a broadcast on August 13, 2025, which claimed that Ajanaku’s hotel construction in Imalefalafia Community, Oke-Ado, Ibadan had obstructed public right of way, caused flooding, and destroyed part of the late Pa Obafemi Awolowo’s master plan for the area.
According to the petition, the allegations re-echoed on air by Fresh FM’s correspondent, Adeola Bankole, were aired without any attempt by the station to contact Ajanaku or verify key facts such as the official survey plan, the community’s government-approved master plan, or any formal complaint lodged with relevant authorities.
Ajanaku maintains that he lawfully acquired the land, secured all requisite government approvals for the Dino Hotel project, adding that he commenced construction under the supervision of his site engineer.
His lawyers argue that Fresh FM’s actions breached his fundamental right to fair hearing and violated the legal principle of audi alteram partem — “hear the other side” — turning the station into “an instrument for perpetuating injustice.”
Citing Section 375 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act, which criminalises the publication of defamatory matter, and multiple appellate court rulings, the petition warns Fresh FM of both civil and criminal liabilities.
The letter stresses that in libel cases, damages are presumed by law without the need for proof of actual loss, and that any award should be “adequate to assuage the injury to the plaintiff’s reputation, character, and pride.”
The law firm has given the station seven days from receipt of the letter to comply, warning that failure to meet the demands will result in legal proceedings under civil and criminal law against Fresh FM, its agents, and any individuals acting on its behalf.
In addition, the petition warns that the firm will file a formal complaint with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC)*, accusing Fresh FM of breaching an established broadcasting principle that requires verification and due investigation into the veracity of allegations before airing them for public consumption.
“This ugly development is highly unfortunate and greatly unexpected of a company of Fresh FM’s calibre,”
“Our client is a man of impeccable character, a political leader, and a generous philanthropist widely loved by the public”, the petition reads.
As of press time, Fresh FM Nigeria and its management had yet to issue a public response to the petition.
—Kunle Bakare.
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