A high-stakes legal battle is brewing in Nigeria as former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi takes on political activist Deji Adeyanju in a ₦1.5 billion defamation lawsuit.
Filed at the Anambra State High Court, Obi alleges Adeyanju’s social media posts falsely labeled him a “religious bigot,” “fraud,” and “political prostitute,” causing reputational harm and emotional distress.
Obi seeks a court declaration that Adeyanju’s comments were malicious and defamatory, a public apology, and retraction across social media and national newspapers. He’s also claiming ₦500 million in aggravated damages and ₦1 billion in general damages, plus litigation costs.
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Adeyanju, undeterred, welcomes the lawsuit, expressing relief that Obi didn’t back down. He remains resolute, ready to defend his stance.
The case highlights the blurred lines between free speech and defamation in Nigeria’s digital age. As social media continues to shape public discourse, the outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent for online accountability.