Tunde Ayeni lied, I never sought out-of-court settlement – Adaobi Alagwu

Abuja-based lawyer Adaobi Alagwu has firmly denied claims by former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, that she is seeking an out-of-court settlement in their ongoing legal dispute.

In a statement on Sunday, Alagwu described Ayeni’s assertions as “false, malicious, and entirely unfounded.”

Ayeni had, on November 25, alleged that Alagwu approached his friends and associates in a bid to negotiate a private settlement—an overture he rejected, insisting the matter must be resolved in open court to “restore his reputation.”

The dispute between the two stems from a paternity controversy, with Ayeni publicly denying the paternity of Alagwu’s daughter.

But Alagwu, in what appeared to be a strongly worded rebuttal, accused Ayeni of distorting facts and insisted that she never initiated, authorised, nor entertained any discussion—direct or indirect—regarding an out-of-court resolution.

“My attention has been drawn to publications alleging that I have made overtures directly or indirectly towards an out-of-court settlement. This claim is entirely false,” she said.

“I have not initiated, authorised, encouraged, or pursued any form of settlement—whether publicly or through so-called ‘back-door channels.’ No such conversation has ever taken place, and no individual has been appointed to speak on my behalf regarding settlement.”

She added that the reports were a misrepresentation of facts and should be disregarded, stressing that she would engage only through the appropriate legal processes.

The paternity matter, earlier filed at the FCT Customary Court in Dawaki, was declined for lack of jurisdiction. Both parties are now before the FCT High Court, Gwagwalada, in a separate case involving a disputed property.

The matter, initially billed for hearing on November 25, has been adjourned to January 28, 2026, following the court’s inability to sit.