Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has filed a N1.5 billion defamation suit against Abuja-based lawyer and rights activist, Mr. Deji Adeyanju.
The suit, instituted at the High Court of Anambra State sitting in Onitsha, stems from a series of social media posts and public statements made by Adeyanju, which Obi’s legal team described as “false, malicious, and contrived.”
According to court documents shared by Adeyanju, Obi is seeking declaratory and injunctive reliefs, including a public apology, retraction of the alleged defamatory statements, and monetary damages.
Obi’s counsel, Mr. Alex Ejesieme (SAN), had in August issued a pre-litigation notice accusing Adeyanju of portraying his client as corrupt, fraudulent, and a religious bigot.
The posts, dating back to 2022, allegedly accused Obi of diverting state funds, attempting to bribe Adeyanju, and using religion to manipulate voters during the 2023 general elections.
The writ of summons, dated October 3, directs Adeyanju to enter an appearance within 42 days or risk judgment in default. Obi is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from further defamatory publications.
In addition to N1 billion in general damages, Obi is demanding N500 million in aggravated damages, as well as the cost of litigation and 18 percent annual interest on the judgment sum until full payment.
Reacting to the suit on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Adeyanju confirmed receipt of the summons and vowed to defend himself in court.
“Finally, Peter Obi has sued me… I will prove in court that Peter Obi is corrupt, a bigot, and a fraud. You will all be entertained, I promise,” he wrote.
The case is expected to test the boundaries of political speech and defamation in Nigeria’s digital age.
