JUST IN: Court Showdown Looms as Peter Obi Sues Deji Adeyanju for Defamation

Nigeria may be heading for a major political courtroom drama as former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dragged political activist, Deji Adeyanju, to court over what he described as a series of false and defamatory publications.

In a demand letter dated August 26, 2025, issued by his legal representatives, Ex Ejesieme (SAN) & Co, Obi accused Adeyanju of repeatedly publishing damaging claims on social media, particularly on his X handle (@adeyanjudeji), aimed at tarnishing his image before Nigerians and the international community.

The letter highlighted several of Adeyanju’s posts dating back to 2022, where he alleged that Obi misappropriated Anambra State funds, invested public money into his family business, paid influencers to promote his candidacy, and used religion as a political tool. Adeyanju also described Obi as “a fraud” and “a religious bigot,” comments the lawyers said were “malicious, reckless and calculated to destroy Obi’s reputation as a respected statesman and political leader.”

Obi’s legal team insisted that the allegations were unfounded and have caused “grave injury” to his reputation, stressing that the former governor has always stood for unity, transparency, and accountability. They demanded a retraction and a public apology, warning that failure to comply would leave them with no choice but to pursue full legal action.

Reacting to the letter on X, Adeyanju mocked Obi, saying he laughed after receiving it and was eager to face him in court. He repeated his stance, calling Obi “a fraud parading himself as a messiah” and accusing him of trying to silence critics. Adeyanju also linked the development to the separate defamation notice he recently served on Obi’s supporter, Serah Ibrahim, over comments she made about his wife.