Afrobeats sensation Davido, born David Adedeji Adeleke, has filed a preliminary objection to contest a N2.3 billion breach of contract suit brought against him and his label, Davido Music Worldwide Limited. The suit, initiated by Brownhill Investments Company Limited and its Chairman, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, a former President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), alleges a breach of agreement related to Davido's failure to perform at the 19th edition of the "Warri Again" event on October 6, 2023.
Pinnick, seeking general damages of N2.3 billion, claims that Davido, despite receiving $94,500 upfront and incurring an additional $18,000 in expenses for a chartered private jet, failed to honor the performance agreement. At the heart of the legal battle is a jurisdictional challenge by Davido, who contends that the matter is a debt recovery issue and questions the court's authority to handle it without a prior written demand.
Adding complexity to the legal saga, Davido faces a criminal defamation case, asserting that defamatory statements were published online without evidence of viewership in Delta State, where the court holds jurisdiction. Norrison Quakers (SAN), leading Davido's legal team, submitted a preliminary objection on this ground.
Both cases are slated for a ruling on December 14, 2023, after the court considers the preliminary objections. In a parallel development, a N500 million defamation case against Davido's staff, Israel, has seen an injunction granted, preventing defamatory statements. Pinnick's legal representation, led by Mr. Kelechi Onwu of Alegeh & Co., remains steadfast in pursuing justice.
Amidst the legal wrangling, reports suggest Davido has mobilized influential figures to mediate an out-of-court settlement, highlighting ongoing talks with Pinnick. Despite pressure from associates and international partners, including suggestions of filing a suit in the United States, Pinnick remains resolute in upholding his reputation earned through his roles with the NFF and FIFA.
As the legal battle unfolds, the public awaits the court's decision on the preliminary objections while the possibility of an out-of-court resolution hangs in the balance, leaving the future of this high-profile case uncertain.
