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By Oscar Okhifo
Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has filed a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit against Nollywood actor and politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, over alleged statements he claims were false, damaging, and capable of harming his public reputation.
Court filings submitted at the High Court in Abuja accuse Okonkwo of making false, malicious, and defamatory statements capable of undermining Obi’s reputation and public standing.
The suit follows a period of renewed public disagreements between both men, who were previously political allies during Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign under the Labour Party.
Okonkwo, who once served as a spokesperson for Obi’s campaign organisation, has recently made a series of public comments critical of the former Anambra governor.
Reactions have continued to trail the development on social media.
A supporter identifying himself as “Obi-dient Frederick” said Okonkwo had repeatedly used public platforms to attack Obi.
“Okonkwo, in the recent past has been using every available opportunity to pour vituperations on Obi. I am glad that he will have the opportunity now to unmask Obi before a competent court or otherwise face serious legal consequences. How could a man be so bitter and caustic,” he said.
Another supporter, who identified herself as “Obi-dient Franca,” also backed the legal action, linking Okonkwo’s public persona to his acting career.
“Since Kenneth acted the movie ‘Living in Bondage,’ he has not left his bondage. I commend Obi for taking this legal action,” she said.
Obi is also demanding ₦5 billion in general damages, as well as an order of the court compelling Okonkwo to withdraw the alleged defamatory statements and publish a public apology in national newspapers and other major media platforms.
Meanwhile, Kenneth Okonkwo, a lawyer, has yet to issue any official response to the lawsuit as of the time of filing this report.
Attempts to reach the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, were unsuccessful as of press time.