A pro-democracy activist and lawyer, Osa Director, has sued MTN Nigeria Plc. In suit No. FHC/L/CS/1413/24 filed at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, the activist vide an originating summons is asking the court to dissolve the board of MTN.
Without prejudice to the outcome of the case now before Justice Deinde Dipeolu, it is important to interrogate the context and motive of the suit, its propriety and relevance. But, first, it must be established that the plaintiff reserves the right to seek and pursue judicial intervention on a matter he deems fit.
In this instance, he is accusing the telecommunications giant of industry capture, undue dominance and influence peddling with the calibre of persons it has filled its Board with. In his submission, the MTN Board is populated with men and women with regulatory agency experience and clout. “The board of MTN being occupied by individuals who have a history of regulatory oversight, taxation authority and pensions will undermine the integrity of our various institutions and create room for influence peddling and regulatory capture,” the plaintiff asserts.