Seun Kuti Affirms Stand in Recent Allegations in P&ID Arbitration, Emphasizes Patriotism, Transparency

Segun James and Ugo Aliogo

Singer and son of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, Seun Kuti, has addressed recent controversies on the P&ID Arbitration.

Speaking during a media briefing in Lagos yesterday, Seun Kuti used the opportunity to clarify and reinforce his position regarding statements made on Instagram about the Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) gas processing contract case involving Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), Principal Partner to BA LAW LLP.

Referring to the court judgement, Kuti said after five years of intense legal battle, Nigeria emerged victorious on the 23rd October, 2023, in its case against P&ID Limited, which had sought the enforcement of an $11 billion debt in its favour.

It would be recalled that on the October, 31, 2023, Kuti took to his Instagram page to comment on the case by insinuating that Ayorinde intentionally shared information with P&ID while representing Nigeria in the arbitration proceedings concerning their disputed gas contract.

It was revealed that Ayorinde through his law firm denied allegations made by Kuti that its principal partner leaked documents to the P&ID company, following to this, Kuti was slammed with a libel and defamation of character lawsuit by Ayorinde (SAN) which would come up for hearing in Oyo State on the January, 25.

Refuting any allegations of committing libel or defamation of character against Ayorinde, Seun said: “All I did was read out what the UK court said in their judgment. I went through the entire 140 pages, and everything I mentioned came straight from that judgment. But now, Ayorinde, who was Nigeria’s rep in the case, is dragging me to court, saying I defamed him. He even went to the police about it.”

Seun Kuti further stated, “I am surprised that despite the result of this case. No one is talking about it in Nigeria, not even a comment from the Nigerian Bar Association.

“In England, the case has had a serious effect on their arbitration system; from their tertiary institutions to their law institutions, the case is being analyzed to reform their system of arbitration.

I remain committed to unwavering dedication to the principles of transparency and justice.

“I called the press here today to carry them along and be with me as the eyes and ears of the Nigerian people. I didn’t call the press to be on my side but to monitor this issue to the end, to educate Nigerians to open their eyes.”

Seun disclosed that he has been summoned by the Nigerian Police at 11 a.m 4, January adding that he would be there physically unwavering and without chickening out.

He further emphasized his belief in the righteousness of his statements, underscoring his intention to fight for what he deems to be in the best interest of the country.

“My interest is the interest of any patriotic citizen of this country; anyone who is patriotic should be interested in this case. As a patriotic citizen deeply committed to the wellbeing and integrity of our nation, I believe in the importance of raising concerns about issues that affect the nation’s interests.”

The conference also served as a platform for Kuti to call for an open and fair investigation into the allegations, ensuring that justice prevails without compromising the nation’s interests.

He expressed shock that Ayorinde could file a libel and defamation of character lawsuit against him, especially considering the 140-page court judgment was already publicly available.

Kuti also questioned the choice of Oyo State as the location for the lawsuit hearing, noting that both parties involved in the case are residents of Lagos.

Kuti added: “I stand by everything I have said on the case, I am ready to meet him in the court and I am optimistic that I will win this case because it runs in my family to fight against cases like this that affect the nation’s interest.

“I would like express my unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives that foster the betterment of the country, I promise to continue advocating for the values I believe in because they are vital for the growth and progress of Nigeria.”