SHUAIBU, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): On the 1st of November, 2016, the 1st - 4th defendants (now 1st - 4th respondents) caused a publication concerning the claimant (now appellant) in the Nigerian Chronicle Newspaper with his photograph, the said publication is headed “Disclaimer” and it stated thus:-
“The Iva Awonokwe paternal Family of Ofudun clan Obubra Local Government Area hereby inform friends of family, elders, the good people of Obubra, the political class been (sic) and the general public that Hon. Denis Oyom Oval, whose photo appears above has (sic) been expelled from the family with effect from 24th September, 2015. As he ceased to be one of us, all rights and privileges that he hitherto enjoyed as a member of the family, have been withdrawn forthwith. The general public is hereby warned that whosoever transact any business whatsoever with Hon. Denis Ovat in the name of Iva Awomokwe paternal family of Ofodua Clan, does so at his/her own peril. Be so warned.”
The…