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Gospel singer and Waka music icon Tope Alabi has warned members of the public against making or circulating what she described as false and damaging claims about her, with her legal representatives threatening court action against those responsible.
The warning was contained in a public notice issued by her solicitors, Oakmount Legal Practitioners, dated October 23, 2026. Alabi shared the notice with her followers on Instagram on Friday.
According to the legal firm, it had received instructions from the singer to take appropriate legal steps against individuals whose publications or conduct could amount to actionable defamation.
Legal Team Defends Alabi’s Reputation
In the notice, Oakmount Legal Practitioners described Alabi as a gospel minister, recording artist, songwriter, actress and public figure who has spent almost three decades building her professional reputation.
The firm argued that her reputation is protected under the law and alleged that false and damaging statements concerning the singer had been circulated, with the possibility that similar material could continue appearing across different platforms.
The lawyers warned that potentially defamatory material could take several forms, including written publications, photographs, videos, audio recordings, social media posts, interviews, podcasts and spoken statements.
The notice stated, “That any person who, without lawful justification, publishes or causes to be published, whether in writing, in print, through images, videos, audio, electronic or social media posts, or any other permanent form (libel), or by spoken words, broadcasts, interviews, podcasts, live streams, voice notes or any other transient form (slander), any statement concerning our Client which is false, malicious or calculated to injure her reputation, shall be held personally liable for such publication.”
Those Who Share Claims Could Also Face Action
Alabi’s lawyers also cautioned that legal responsibility could potentially extend beyond the original person who made an allegation.
According to the notice, individuals who repeat, republish, repost, share, forward or otherwise amplify allegedly defamatory material could face liability depending on the circumstances and any applicable legal defences.
“Liability may extend, inter alia, to the originator of the statement and to any person who repeats, republishes, reposts, shares, forwards or otherwise amplifies the same, depending on the circumstances of the publication and any applicable legal defences,” the firm stated.
The lawyers further warned social media users against assuming that anonymous, pseudonymous or unverified accounts would shield them from potential legal consequences.
“The use of anonymous, pseudonymous or unverified accounts does not, of itself, confer immunity from legal liability,” the notice added.
Alabi Demands Removal of Alleged Defamatory Content
The legal team instructed anyone who had already published the material in question to remove it immediately and refrain from circulating it further.
“Any person who has already published such material is hereby required to remove the same forthwith and to desist from any further publication,” the solicitors stated.
However, the lawyers clarified that deleting a post would not necessarily erase potential responsibility for the original publication.
According to the notice, Alabi has authorised the firm to commence legal proceedings against individuals whose actions amount to actionable claims, without the need for further notice.
Possible Court Remedies Outlined
The legal notice listed several remedies that could potentially be pursued through the courts.
These include general damages and, where justified under applicable law, aggravated or exemplary damages. The singer could also seek injunctions preventing further publication of the alleged defamatory claims.
Other possible remedies mentioned include an order compelling a retraction and an unreserved public apology, alongside the recovery of legal costs.
The lawyers also stated that Alabi could pursue any other remedies available to her under Nigerian law and refer appropriate matters to relevant authorities where necessary.
Despite the strong warning, the firm clarified that the notice was not intended to prevent legitimate criticism or lawful freedom of expression.
“Nothing in this Notice is intended to restrict truthful statements, fair comment on matters of public interest, or the lawful exercise of the right to freedom of expression guaranteed by law,” the notice read.
Specific Claims Not Identified
The development comes amid online discussions surrounding reported comments attributed to Alabi about traditional religious practices and renewed attention to her former association with the late cleric Elijah Ajanaku.
However, the legal notice did not identify the specific statements or allegations that prompted the singer to issue the warning.
For now, Alabi’s legal representatives have made it clear that they intend to protect her reputation through available legal channels, while also distinguishing between unlawful defamatory claims and legitimate criticism or public commentary.
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#NigerianGospelMusic
#NollywoodEntertainment
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