In a major development that has set social media abuzz, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has reportedly filed a defamation lawsuit against political activist Deji Adeyanju at the Anambra State High Court.
The suit comes barely weeks after Adeyanju made a series of social media posts accusing Obi of being “a hypocrite” and “secretly funding separatist movements.” Obi’s legal team had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding a public retraction and apology — a demand Adeyanju ignored.
Confirming the legal action, a source close to Obi’s legal team disclosed that the case was filed earlier this week in Awka, Anambra State, under Suit No: A/105/2025, seeking ₦500 million in damages for libel.
According to court documents sighted by journalists, Obi contends that Adeyanju’s statements were “malicious, false, and calculated to damage his hard-earned reputation.” The suit also seeks an order of perpetual injunction restraining Adeyanju from further making or publishing similar defamatory statements.
Meanwhile, Deji Adeyanju has maintained that he will “defend himself in court” and stands by his earlier statements. His legal representatives have yet to issue an official statement.
The case has sparked intense debate on X (formerly Twitter), with supporters of both men engaging in heated exchanges. Legal experts suggest that this may become one of the most closely watched defamation suits of 2025, given both men’s influence in Nigeria’s political space.
Observers note that this action marks the first time Peter Obi is taking a critic to court, signaling a tougher stance against what he once described as “malicious propaganda
Key Facts:
- Plaintiff: Mr. Peter Obi
- Defendant: Mr. Deji Adeyanju
- Court: Anambra State High Court, Awka
- Suit Number: A/105/2025
- Filed: Mid-October 2025
- Damages Sought: ₦500 million
- Subject: Defamation over alleged false social media statement
