‘I Can’t Wait To Meet Peter Obi In Court’ – Adeyanju Reacts To Defamation Suit

‘I Can’t Wait To Meet Peter Obi In Court’ – Adeyanju Reacts To Defamation Suit

ABUJA, Nigeria – A fresh political and legal battle is brewing between Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, following allegations of defamation.

Obi, who served as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014 and rose to national prominence during the 2023 presidential election, has instructed his legal team to commence action against Adeyanju over what he described as “false, malicious and defamatory” remarks circulated on social media.

The Allegations

In a notice issued by Ejesimen & Co (Madiba Chambers, SAN), Obi’s legal representatives accused Adeyanju of persistently attacking Obi’s reputation through posts on X (formerly Twitter) and other online platforms.

One particular post dated August 21 was cited, where Adeyanju alleged that Obi diverted funds from the Anambra State treasury into his family business. In the same post, he also claimed that Obi once tried to give him money under the guise of a token of appreciation.

Obi’s team dismissed these claims as baseless, demanding a public retraction and a formal apology from Adeyanju. The letter warned that failure to comply could result in a lawsuit seeking damages and other legal remedies.

Adeyanju Fires Back

Adeyanju, a lawyer known for his blunt commentary on Nigerian politics, responded almost immediately via his official X handle, brushing off Obi’s notice and daring him to proceed with the lawsuit.

“Just got this letter from Peter Obi the religious bigot demanding a retraction from me. I laughed so hard. I can’t wait to meet him in court finally. A fraud parading himself as a messiah,” Adeyanju wrote.

He went further, accusing Obi of orchestrating online attacks against critics through aides and supporters. “Super happy he sent that letter. It proves what we have always suspected; he is the one sending them to defame people online because they are his aides.”

The activist also mentioned Serah Ibrahim, a pro-Obi supporter, claiming she would “soon have her day in court” over separate defamation claims concerning his wife.

A History of Clashes

Adeyanju has long been a fierce critic of Obi, regularly questioning his political credibility and electability. During and after the 2023 election, Adeyanju frequently argued that Obi lacked the political structure necessary to win the presidency, despite his popularity among young Nigerians and urban voters.

He has also clashed repeatedly with the Obidient Movement—the large, vocal base of Obi supporters who dominate political discourse online. Adeyanju has accused them of intolerance toward dissent, while the Obidients often label him as biased and dismissive of their candidate’s achievements.

In a Facebook post earlier this year, Adeyanju declared it was “too late” for Obi to ever emerge as Nigeria’s leader, further inflaming tensions between the activist and Obi’s camp.

What This Means for Nigeria’s Political Climate

The case highlights the growing tension between Nigerian politicians, activists, and digital media influencers. In recent years, defamation suits have become increasingly common in Nigeria as public figures seek to protect their reputations from viral social media allegations.

Analysts note that while freedom of expression is protected under Nigeria’s constitution, there is a thin line between legitimate criticism and defamation. Courts have had to grapple with striking this balance in an era where information—true or false—spreads at lightning speed.

Political communication researcher Dr. Oladipo Akintoye told reporters in Lagos:
“This dispute between Obi and Adeyanju is not just about two individuals. It reflects a wider struggle in Nigerian politics, where social media has become both a tool for accountability and a weapon for character assassination.”

Global Context: Politicians and Defamation Battles

Globally, politicians are no strangers to suing critics for defamation. In the United States, former President Donald Trump filed numerous lawsuits against media houses and individuals he claimed misrepresented him. In the UK, defamation laws have often been used by public figures to silence damaging allegations.

However, such cases are a double-edged sword. They can either vindicate a politician’s reputation or amplify the allegations they are trying to suppress. Analysts say Obi’s legal action carries both risks and opportunities.

What Next?

If Obi proceeds with the lawsuit, the matter could become one of the most high-profile political defamation cases in Nigeria in recent years. It will test the strength of his resolve to defend his integrity while also putting Adeyanju’s claims under legal scrutiny.

For Adeyanju, the courtroom could either validate his outspoken criticism or expose him to financial and reputational penalties. His bold declaration—“I can’t wait to meet him in court”—suggests he is prepared for a legal showdown.

For now, the political space is bracing for what could be a drawn-out legal drama with significant implications for social media activism, political accountability, and digital free speech in Nigeria.

Conclusion

The Obi-Adeyanju feud is more than a personal quarrel. It represents the new frontier of Nigerian politics where the battle for credibility, reputation, and influence is fought not only at campaign rallies but also on Twitter timelines and in courtrooms.

As the 2027 elections inch closer, such battles are likely to intensify, with political figures, activists, and online movements all shaping the narrative of who leads Africa’s most populous nation.

See a copy of the notice below.