Lagos, Nigeria, July 14, 2025
In a significant ruling on Monday, a Lagos High Court dismissed a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo against her colleague, Lizzy Anjorin. The case, which has drawn widespread attention in the Nigerian entertainment industry, stemmed from a public feud between the two actresses, marked by a series of social media exchanges and allegations.
Iyabo Ojo had accused Lizzy Anjorin of making defamatory statements that tarnished her reputation, seeking ₦1 billion in damages and a public apology. The lawsuit claimed that Anjorin’s remarks, made during a heated online dispute, caused significant harm to Ojo’s personal and professional standing. However, Anjorin’s legal team argued that the statements were either misconstrued or fell within the bounds of free expression, and they challenged the validity of Ojo’s claims.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Olufemi Adeyemi ruled that the plaintiff, Iyabo Ojo, failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate the defamation claims. The court found that the statements in question did not meet the legal threshold for defamation, as they lacked the necessary intent or impact to cause actionable harm. Consequently, the suit was dismissed, and Ojo was ordered to bear the legal costs.
The ruling has sparked mixed reactions among fans and industry observers. Supporters of Lizzy Anjorin celebrated the decision as a victory for free speech, while some of Iyabo Ojo’s fans expressed disappointment, arguing that the case highlights the challenges of addressing online defamation in Nigeria’s legal system.
This high-profile case underscores the growing tensions within Nollywood, where public disputes often spill over into legal battles. Both actresses, known for their outspoken personalities, have yet to comment publicly on the ruling. As the industry watches closely, the dismissal of this suit may set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future.
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