Peter Obi sues Deji Adeyanju for ₦1.5bn over alleged defamation

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has filed a ₦1.5 billion lawsuit against human rights lawyer and political activist, Deji Adeyanju, accusing him of spreading false and damaging statements on social media.

The suit, lodged at the Anambra State High Court in Onitsha, alleges that Adeyanju made several “reckless, baseless, and malicious” comments that tarnished Obi’s name and reputation. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, is seeking both compensation and a public apology for what he described as calculated attempts to destroy his image.

In the court documents, Obi asked for a declaration that Adeyanju’s social media posts were defamatory and intended to harm his standing in society. The politician said the activist’s statements falsely portrayed him as corrupt, dishonest, and intolerant.

Specifically, Obi asked the court to compel Adeyanju to retract the statements and issue an unreserved public apology on his verified social media accounts  including X, Facebook, and Instagram  and also publish the apology in at least three national newspapers.

He wants the court to order Adeyanju to delete all posts in which he allegedly labeled Obi with terms such as “leader of a mob,” “religious bigot,” “fraud,” “scum,” “political fraud,” and “political prostitute.” The suit also references accusations of financial misconduct and abuse of office that Obi claims are untrue and have damaged his political and personal image.

In addition to the retraction and apology, Obi is seeking monetary compensation from Adeyanju. He is demanding ₦500 million as aggravated or exemplary damages for what he called Adeyanju’s “reckless and malicious” conduct, and ₦1 billion as general damages for the emotional distress, ridicule, and reputational harm caused by the publications.

The lawsuit also seeks an order of perpetual injunction to stop Adeyanju  or anyone acting on his behalf from making any future defamatory remarks or reposting similar claims about Obi on any media platform, The Cable reported.

The conflict between Obi and Adeyanju reportedly began after the activist made a series of social media posts criticizing the Labour Party leader’s political style and supporters. Adeyanju, known for his outspoken views, had accused Obi of being divisive and of misleading young Nigerians during and after the 2023 general elections.

Obi’s supporters had previously clashed online with Adeyanju, claiming he had been running a smear campaign against their preferred candidate. The tension, which had brewed for months, now appears to have reached a breaking point with Obi’s legal action.

Though the court filings did not specify which exact posts triggered the suit, the documents described a “pattern of defamation” that allegedly caused Obi “severe emotional distress” and “loss of goodwill among the Nigerian public and international community.”

In his filing, Obi’s legal team argued that Adeyanju’s comments were made “without any factual basis” and were intended to “discredit the Plaintiff in the eyes of Nigerians.” They added that the activist’s remarks had gone beyond legitimate criticism and amounted to a “deliberate and malicious campaign of falsehood.”

The suit insists that Obi has always maintained a clean record in public service and has not been found guilty of corruption or financial misconduct. It also claims that Adeyanju’s statements have exposed Obi to “hatred, contempt, and ridicule,” especially on social media platforms where his reputation is central to his political brand.

Obi further stated that as a public figure who has served as governor and contested for the presidency, his name and integrity are of high value. Therefore, any attempt to tarnish them through lies or baseless accusations must be challenged legally.

As of press time, Deji Adeyanju has not officially responded to the suit. However, he is expected to be served the court papers soon, after which he may file a defense or counterclaim. Adeyanju, who often comments on national issues, has in the past maintained that he uses his social media platforms to hold politicians accountable.

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Legal experts note that defamation cases in Nigeria often take time, as the plaintiff must prove that the statements were false, damaging, and made with malicious intent. If the court rules in Obi’s favor, Adeyanju could be ordered to pay the damages and publish public apologies.

The development has sparked debate among Nigerians on social media. Supporters of Obi have praised him for taking legal steps to protect his name, saying it’s time public figures are held accountable for false statements. Others, however, argue that the lawsuit could discourage free speech and political criticism.

Some observers also see the case as part of a broader trend where public figures increasingly turn to the courts to combat online misinformation and defamation.

The case is expected to be assigned to a judge in the coming weeks, after which hearing dates will be set. Both parties will then have the opportunity to present their evidence and witnesses.