Ex-gov Fayose’s brother sues Wike’s aide, Olayinka, demands N200bn in damages

Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, has taken legal action against Lere Olayinka, a former media aide to his brother and a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Fayose filed a defamation lawsuit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja, alleging that Olayinka made damaging and false statements about him on various social media platforms.

Olayinka, who currently serves as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is accused of sharing defamatory remarks about Fayose on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X.

The lawsuit, marked FCT/HC/GAR//2025, stems from a social media post in which Olayinka wrote:

“Before I leave for other important engagements, let me advise Prince Isaac Fayose to take the issues of his health, especially his internal organs, very seriously. When you smoke weed (Igbo) and sniff certain things, you need regular medical checkup rather than masturbating about Wike, who is in his house after doing his jobs till late yesterday. And be mindful of NDLEA abeg. It is just an advise.”

Fayose swiftly responded, vowing legal action and challenging Olayinka to provide evidence for his allegations.

In his suit, Fayose is seeking a court declaration that the statements were defamatory, alongside an order compelling Olayinka to issue a formal apology. He is also demanding monetary compensation amounting to N200 billion, including N50 billion each in exemplary and special damages, N100 billion in general damages, and N20 million for legal expenses.

Additionally, he is requesting a perpetual injunction preventing Olayinka and his associates from making further defamatory remarks against him. The lawsuit states:

“The written statement made by the Defendant to the entire world through his handle on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, X and other social media platforms are false and malicious hence a slanderous allegation against the Claimant’s person.”

“The said written statement made by the Defendant to the hearing of the entire world is damaging to the Claimant’s image, reputation and person.”

As part of his demands, Fayose wants the court to order Olayinka to publish an apology in three major Nigerian newspapers—This Day, The Sun, and The Guardian.

The court has instructed Olayinka to respond within eight days of being served, warning that failure to do so could result in judgment being entered against him in absentia.