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OBASEKI, J.S.C: The main issue raised in this appeal by the appellants is whether the words "It was resolved that Chief Stephen Idugboe, a member of the Board of Directors be removed from office and he (Chief Stephen Idugboe) is hereby removed as a member of the Board of Directors of the Oilfield Supply Centre Limited, Warri with immediate effect" are capable of bearing defamatory meaning. The subsidiary issue raised is whether words actually in the circumstances in which they were published bore defamatory meaning.
In his 'Notice to vary' the damages awarded by the Federal Court of Appeal given pursuant to Order 7 rule 13(1), Supreme Court Rules 1977, the respondent who was plaintiff at the trial court raised the issue of the quantum of damages awarded contending in his brief that there are justifiable grounds to vary the amount awarded upwards to N50,000.00 (fifty thousand Naira).
The action that led to the proceedings which went on appeal first to the Federal Court of Appeal holdin…