Peter Obi and Kenneth Okonkwo are embroiled in a legal dispute over alleged defamatory remarks
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has demanded N5 billion in damages and a public apology from actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamatory statements made during a television interview.
Obi, through his lawyers led by Alex Ejesieme (SAN), accused Okonkwo of making false and malicious allegations during an appearance on a National Television’s programme on June 8.
In a letter dated June 9, the legal team said the comments were subsequently published and circulated by several media organisations and online platforms, causing damage to Obi’s reputation.
According to the letter, Okonkwo allegedly claimed that Obi and leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the South-East demanded payments from aspirants seeking elective positions and engaged in other improper activities.
Obi’s lawyers described the allegations as false, reckless and defamatory, arguing that they portrayed their client as being involved in bribery, fraud, extortion and other forms of criminal conduct.
“The statements falsely and maliciously represent our client as a person who demands and collects bribes, defrauds political aspirants and engages in criminal activities,” the legal team stated.
The lawyers demanded that Okonkwo withdraw the statements within seven days, publish an unequivocal apology with similar prominence to the original publication, and pay N5 billion as general, aggravated and exemplary damages.
They also requested a written undertaking that he would refrain from making further statements they consider defamatory.
The letter warned that failure to comply with the demands would result in legal action, including claims for damages, injunctive reliefs, public retractions and legal costs.
Responding in a statement posted on social media, Okonkwo dismissed the demand and said he had not yet reviewed the letter.
He stated that he would respond formally after reading the document and maintained that he was prepared to defend his position if the matter proceeds to court.
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Okonkwo also suggested that legal proceedings could lead to the disclosure of information he obtained while serving as Obi’s spokesperson.
The dispute marks a fresh escalation in the public fallout between the former political allies, with the possibility of a legal battle if the parties fail to resolve the matter within the stipulated period.
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