In response to the N2.3 billion breach of contract suit brought by Brownhill Investments Company Limited and Amaju Pinnick against him and his music label, Davido Music Worldwide Limited, Davido has taken a firm legal stance. The Nigerian singer filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the matter. He argued that the case pertains to debt recovery and insisted that the claimants should have initiated a demand letter before resorting to legal action. Furthermore, Davido refuted claims that Sosoberokon acted as his agent in negotiating performance contracts, emphasizing that the payment he received was solely for promoting the event rather than as compensation for his appearance.
Additionally, in a related case concerning criminal defamation, Davido‘s legal team, led by Mr. Norrison Quakers (SAN), filed another preliminary objection. They questioned the court’s jurisdiction, highlighting that the allegedly defamatory statements were published online, but there’s no evidence to establish their viewership in Delta State, where the claimant filed the suit.
Legal Teams and Adjournments: Unresolved Defamation Claims and Injunctions
Amidst these legal maneuvers, a separate defamation case worth N500 million against Israel, a staff member of Davido, remains unresolved. Israel, the defendant in this case, has yet to submit a defense. The court, meanwhile, has granted an injunction restraining Israel from making further defamatory statements against Pinnick.
The legal battlefield in these cases sees notable figures at the helm. Pinnick’s legal team, spearheaded by Mr. Kelechi Onwu, a senior partner in Alegeh & Co. law firm, representing him, while Davido’s team, led by Norrison Quakers (SAN), is robustly defending his interests. Both matters are scheduled for a crucial court ruling on December 14, 2023, concerning the preliminary objections filed by both parties.
Settlement Attempts Amidst Heightened Pressure
Efforts to reach a settlement have emerged in this legal standoff. Reports suggest that Davido has rallied support from several prominent Nigerians to negotiate an out-of-court resolution with Pinnick. Despite these endeavors, Pinnick remains resolute in pursuing the lawsuit, citing Davido‘s alleged attempts to damage his hard-earned reputation. The former President of the Nigerian Football Federation and current FIFA official insists on seeking legal redress, especially given the international implications of the case. There are even murmurs of potential legal action in the United States against Davido and his associates due to his American citizenship and international ties.
As both parties brace for the upcoming ruling, the stakes remain high, underlining the complex web of legal intricacies and reputation management entangled in this high-profile case.
Davido Accused of No-Show: Organizers Demand Accountability
Former Nigeria Football Federation president, Amaju Pinnick, has stirred controversy by calling out award-winning singer Davido for allegedly reneging on a performance commitment at the 19th edition of Warri Again. Pinnick, also a FIFA Executive Member, revealed during the event that despite a hefty payment of $94,600 and an additional $18,000 for a private jet, Davido failed to appear.
“We paid Davido $94,600 on the 6th of April. We paid $18,000 for his plane,” stated Pinnick, expressing disappointment at the artist’s absence. “If he says he’s a big boy, we will tell him we are bigger than him.”
The organisers, faced with Davido‘s unavailability, scrambled to secure a replacement act, Shallipopi, to salvage the event. Pinnick emphasized the abundance of local talent, asserting, “We have stars aplenty in Warri. Nobody is bigger than Warri.”
Debate Over Celebrity Commitment: Warri Emphasizes Local Talent
Pinnick’s pointed remarks ignited a debate on celebrity accountability and commitment to scheduled performances. Highlighting the presence of acclaimed figures like Burna Boy, RMD in acting, and Ali Baba in comedy, he questioned the definition of ‘bigness’ in the entertainment industry.
The incident raised questions about the obligations of high-profile artists towards event organizers and their audiences. While some praised the emphasis on local talent, others questioned the efficacy of engaging internationally recognized figures given the uncertainties surrounding their commitments.
This controversy not only sheds light on the challenges faced by event organizers but also sparks a broader discussion about the responsibilities of celebrities in fulfilling their professional commitments. The spotlight now shifts to Davido‘s response and the larger conversation about the significance of supporting local talent versus relying on internationally acclaimed artists.
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