Ex-Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has threatened legal action against political activist Deji Adeyanju over comments described as defamatory.
In a letter issued through his lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Alex Ejesieme, Obi gave Adeyanju a seven-day deadline to retract alleged false claims circulated on social media.
The former Anambra governor also demanded a public apology to be published on Adeyanju’s platforms and in at least three national newspapers.
According to the notice, failure to comply with the ultimatum will result in a full defamation lawsuit seeking aggravated damages, an injunction, and recovery of legal costs.
Obi’s legal team stressed that the activist’s recent remarks were damaging and intended to mislead the public.
“The statements are not only untrue but have caused significant harm to our client’s reputation. We have been instructed to commence legal proceedings if the demands are ignored,” part of the letter read.
Adeyanju, however, has dismissed the threat and indicated readiness to face Obi in court.
In a social media post reacting to the letter, the activist maintained that he stands by his statements and is prepared to defend them before a judge.
The development has since sparked heated debate online, with Obi’s supporters insisting on accountability for defamatory speech, while Adeyanju’s followers argue that the activist is being targeted for his criticism.
MCC News reports that this case adds to the growing trend of high-profile Nigerians resorting to the courts to address damaging remarks made on social media, a reflection of the increasing influence of digital platforms in shaping political narratives in the country.
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