NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.
Ubani, SAN, eminent legal silk and public affairs analyst
By UZOMA ODUIGWE, Editorial Consultant
Acclaimed people's lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, has called for the exhibition of wisdom and restraint by parties who wish to delve into or comment on the on-going saga involving Obi Cubana and his adopted son, or other issues of personal or public interest.
According to Dr. Ubani, in a WhatsApp message sent to News Express, the development which has made and is still making rounds across social media circles in Nigeria and beyond, is both "needless and avoidable," from the angles of both Obi Cubana and the young man in question."
For one thing, argues Dr. Ubani, "if the young man in question was duly adopted in accordance with Nigerian adoption laws, then he is, without doubt, entitled to the full rights and privileges that come with such a legal status, including any claims to the man's estate. That is the clear position of the law."
Still on the young man, Dr. Ubani continues: "Should the boy have made such public remarks about his status, I do not think so. His expression may have been immature, perhaps a product of youthful exuberance. Unfortunately, his comments have been misinterpreted by many as presumptuous or entitlement-driven."
On the other hand, and from Obi Cubana's angle, the Learned SAN asked: "Was it right for Obi Cubana to respond to the young man's perceived indiscretion on social media? Respectfully, no. Matters of this nature are best handled within the confines of family and privacy.
"Public engagement, especially on sensitive family issues, only escalates misunderstanding and public scrutiny. I believe his reaction may have come under intense pressure, possibly from those around him, sources we all can guess."
Throwing in his own words of wisdom and calling for the exhibiting of wisdom and restraint in life generally, Dr. Ubani advised: "In all things, wisdom remains the principal thing. Obi Cubana is a man admired by many for his humility, generosity, and down-to-earth personality.
"We love him and do not wish to see negative narratives about him dominating the social media space. Let us all learn to manage domestic matters with tact and restraint," Dr. Monday O. Ubani, SAN concluded in his WhatsApp message.