Mr. Monday Ubani SAN has dismissed the viral claims surrounding a video shared by human rights lawyer, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, which suggested that Justice Nyang Okoro JSC secretly visited Edo State to lobby Governor Monday Okpebholo through his Attorney-General before the appeal hearing filed by PDP’s Asue Ighodalo.
Describing the allegations of a lobbying deal involving Okoro at Protea Hotel as “mischievous” and “preposterous,” Ubani clarified that Justice Nyang Okoro JSC was in Edo State as a guest of Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo, former President of the African Bar Association, who was burying his mother in a celebratory atmosphere.
In a statement titled “Setting the Records Straight: Visit of Honourable Justice Inyang Okoro, JSC CFR to Benin City,” Ubani stated:
“Recent social media reports regarding the presence of a Supreme Court Justice in Benin City during the burial of Mrs. Caroline Uwaifo, mother of Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo, are not only false but also unfortunate.”
“I can confirm that Honourable Justice Inyang Okoro, JSC CFR, was in Benin to attend the burial ceremony of my dear friend’s mother, as an invited guest. I was involved in the planning of the events and attended all related ceremonies. His Lordship was present at the service of songs on Thursday, June 12, 2025, and the Funeral Service the following day, June 13, 2025. The only event I did not see His Lordship at was the reception after the interment on Friday.”
“It is absurd to link His Lordship’s private visit for a friend’s burial to the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial appeal that has recently reached the Supreme Court in Abuja.”
“To those spreading this slanderous narrative: has the Chief Justice of Nigeria already empaneled Justices for the election appeal? What sense does it make to suggest that His Lordship traveled to Benin to lobby for inclusion on the panel? Could this be a tactic by those behind this smear campaign to prevent His Lordship’s inclusion, and to what end? Are some so fearful of Honourable Justice Okoro that they resort to baseless stories to tarnish his reputation?”
Ubani further stated:
“It is commendable that the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State, Dr. Samson Osagie, has categorically denied the media reports and stated that he did not meet with any judicial officer as alleged. It is revealing that the purveyors of this smear campaign ignored His Lordship’s attendance at the burial ceremonies, which he did not attend secretly or in disguise.”
“I am also surprised that my good friend, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, who is a close associate of Hannibal, did not reach out to confirm the reason for His Lordship’s visit, given that he was publicly seen at those events.”
“As lawyers, we should refrain from participating in the vilification of the judiciary and our judicial officers. We all suffer when we join in denigrating our revered temple of justice without basis. This instance exemplifies such unwarranted denigration against Honourable Justice Inyang Okoro, JSC CFR.”
