The feud between activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju and Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has taken a fresh twist, with Adeyanju intensifying his attacks despite a looming defamation suit.
Adeyanju, speaking during a live television interview yesterday, dismissed Obi’s legal threats and declared that the former Anambra governor should “add political prostitute” to the list of complaints already levelled against him.
The activist accused Obi’s supporters of hypocrisy, arguing that while they freely criticise President Bola Tinubu, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, and the Judiciary, they reject any scrutiny of their principal. “Obi should do his worst”, Adeyanju charged, revealing that the quarrel was triggered after Obi’s aide, Serah Ibrahim, allegedly insulted his wife over his criticisms.
He further alleged that Obi once attempted to bribe him ahead of the 2023 elections, narrating an encounter where the former governor allegedly offered him an envelope of cash. “I said, God forbid. I left. If I support anyone, it is out of conviction, not inducement,” Adeyanju claimed.
His remarks follow a letter of demand served on him by Obi’s lawyer, Alex Ejesieme (SAN), accusing him of persistently publishing false and malicious statements on X, Facebook, and other platforms. The letter cited accusations that Obi diverted state funds into family businesses, attempted to bribe individuals after private meetings, and weaponised religion during the 2023 campaign.
Obi’s legal team described Adeyanju’s posts as defamatory, branding their client a “scum” and “leader of a mob.” The notice demanded immediate retractions, public apologies across social media, and apology publications in three national newspapers. It warned that failure to comply within seven days would trigger a lawsuit seeking aggravated damages, injunctions, and legal costs.
“The statements have been widely disseminated, causing untold damage to our client’s reputation and integrity,” the letter stated.
The clash now threatens to escalate into a full-blown legal showdown between the fiery activist and the former presidential hopeful.
