The National Industrial Court of Nigeria- Lagos Judicial Division has ruled that it has no jurisdiction to preside over the suit brought before it by the Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (Lagos SWAN). In a ruling delivered by Justice MN Esowe on Monday 23 January 2023, the court said since the case was not an employee and employer-related case, it lacked the jurisdiction to rule on the case.
The Debo Oshundun led-executive board in 2022 approached the NIC in seeking a restraining order against the illegal take-over of its secretariat. Led by some aliens spearheaded by one Olatutu Oladunni, Aaron Akerejola and Oluwole Alakija with the help of some security officers have been parading themselves as exco of the Lagos state chapter.
The Judge said the matter should have been filed at the Federal High court. Despite an appeal by the defendants to have some damages awarded against Lagos SWAN, the presiding judge struck out their prayers. She advised the plaintiff to approach a court of competent jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, Lagos SWAN lawyers led by Salami Agbaje are studying the ruling and deciding on the next line of action.
