ONITSHA, Anambra State — Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, has filed a ₦1.5 billion defamation lawsuit against human rights activist and social commentator, Mr. Deji Adeyanju, over a series of alleged false and malicious social media publications.
The case, Suit No: 0/254/25, was instituted at the High Court of Anambra State, Onitsha Judicial Division, with Obi as the plaintiff and Adeyanju as the defendant. The suit, filed by Obi’s counsel, Alex Ejesieme (SAN), seeks ₦500 million in aggravated damages and ₦1 billion in general damages for the alleged harm caused to Obi’s reputation.
Obi Accuses Adeyanju of Spreading False and Malicious Claims
In his statement of claim, Obi described Adeyanju’s posts on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram as “false, baseless, malicious, scandalous, and defamatory.”
He alleged that Adeyanju’s statements — including calling him a “religious bigot,” “fraud,” “political prostitute,” and “leader of a mob” — had gravely injured his personal, professional, and political reputation both locally and internationally.
Obi is asking the court to declare the posts defamatory and to compel Adeyanju to issue a public apology and retraction across all his social media handles and in at least three national newspapers.
Plaintiff’s Demands
According to court documents obtained from the Onitsha High Court Registry and dated October 3, 2025, Obi is seeking the following reliefs:
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A declaration that all allegations made by Adeyanju across his social media platforms are false, malicious, reckless, and defamatory.
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An order directing Adeyanju to publish an “unreserved and unequivocal apology” on all his social media handles and in three major national newspapers within seven days of judgment.
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An order mandating Adeyanju to delete all offensive posts and permanently refrain from making further defamatory statements against Obi.
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₦500 million as aggravated/exemplary damages for reckless and malicious publications.
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₦1 billion as general damages for reputational harm, ridicule, and emotional distress.
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Reimbursement of legal costs and professional fees incurred in the case.
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An order for 18% annual interest on the judgment sum from the date of judgment until full payment.
The writ of summons has reportedly been served on Adeyanju at his residence in Wuse II, Abuja.
Background: Adeyanju’s Allegations and Obi’s Response
The defamation suit follows Adeyanju’s remarks on August 29, 2025, during an interview on Channels Television, where he claimed that Obi had attempted to offer him money during the buildup to the 2023 general elections — a claim Adeyanju said he rejected.
He further accused Obi of hypocrisy and political inconsistency, calling him a “political fraud” and “political prostitute.” Adeyanju also criticised Obi’s supporters, popularly known as “Obidients,” describing them as “toxic, intolerant, and abusive.”
“Obidient mobs became practically uncontrollable. They threatened judges, harassed artists, insulted Prof. Wole Soyinka, and attacked anyone who criticised Obi,” Adeyanju said during the interview.
In response, Obi’s legal team described Adeyanju’s comments as “fabricated falsehoods deliberately aimed at tarnishing his image.”
Obi is therefore asking the court to hold Adeyanju accountable and restrain him from making further derogatory publications.
Adeyanju Dares Obi: ‘Let Him Do His Worst’
Reacting to the lawsuit, Adeyanju maintained that his statements were factual and challenged Obi to proceed with the legal action, insisting that “truth remains a valid defence in any defamation case.”
He recounted how he allegedly avoided several attempts by Obi to meet him during the election period, claiming that the Labour Party candidate sought to influence his commentary on political matters.
