Deji Adeyanju Dares Peter Obi: “I Can’t Wait to Meet You in Court”

Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has initiated legal proceedings against well-known Nigerian human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, over what has been described as repeated defamatory statements.

Obi’s legal representatives, EJESIMEN & CO MADIBA CHAMBERS, SAN, formally issued a legal notice, accusing Adeyanju of persistently making damaging remarks against Obi on X (formerly Twitter) and other social media platforms. According to the legal team, these alleged defamatory comments have harmed the public image of the former governor.

Background of the Dispute

The lawsuit notice highlighted a particular incident that occurred on August 21, when Adeyanju accused Peter Obi of mismanaging public funds from Anambra State. In his claim, Adeyanju alleged that Obi diverted state resources for the benefit of his family businesses.

In the controversial post, Adeyanju also claimed to have personally met Obi, during which the former governor allegedly attempted to offer him money. According to Adeyanju, Obi “called it a thank you for coming,” insisting that his allegation was “100% true.”

Obi’s Legal Demands

Obi’s legal team did not take these claims lightly. They demanded an immediate and public retraction of the remarks, alongside an unreserved written apology from Adeyanju. The letter further warned that failure to comply with these demands would lead to legal consequences.

Deji Adeyanju’s Response

In reaction, Adeyanju dismissed Obi’s threat of legal action. Taking to his official Facebook page on Wednesday night, the outspoken lawyer expressed confidence that he was ready to face Obi in court.

His statement read:

“I can’t wait to meet him in court finally. A fraud parading himself as a messiah.”

Adeyanju’s post demonstrates his unyielding stance against Obi, whom he has consistently criticized, particularly regarding Obi’s ambition to become Nigeria’s president.

Adeyanju vs. Obi’s Supporters

This is not the first time Adeyanju has been at loggerheads with Obi’s supporters, popularly referred to as the Obidients. On multiple occasions, Adeyanju’s social media posts have sparked heated debates and confrontations with Obi’s loyal base, who often counter his unfavorable narratives about their preferred candidate.

In a more recent Facebook post, Adeyanju again emphasized his stance that Peter Obi’s chances of ever emerging as the President of Nigeria are slim. He asserted that, in his view, it is “too late” for Obi to win the presidency.

This unfolding legal battle is likely to attract widespread national attention, considering both men’s strong followings and the political implications of the case.