Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has issued a stern ultimatum to Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu.
Obi has demanded a public apology and ₦5 billion in damages for alleged defamation and libel. The demand stems from Onanuga’s claims linking Obi to a planned mass protest scheduled for August.
On July 20, 2024, Onanuga posted on his X handle, accusing Peter Obi’s supporters of planning mayhem in Nigeria and holding Obi accountable for potential anarchy. This statement prompted Obi to respond through his legal counsel, Alex Ejesieme, SAN, emphasizing the damage to his reputation caused by these accusations.
Ejesieme articulated that the allegations, widely circulated in both social and mainstream media, have maligned Obi’s reputation. Known for his peaceful approach even under provocation, Obi asserts that the claims are baseless and damaging. The publication, according to Obi, has inflicted severe emotional distress on him, considering his decades-long exemplary service in both private and public sectors.
The legal counsel’s letter stated: “It’s our client’s conviction that the publication was a calculated plot to demean, ridicule, humiliate, and embarrass him in the eyes of every right-thinking member of society. Despite his appellation as ‘Okwute’ (the Rock), the demeaning and scandalous publication has caused serious emotional injury to our client.”
The letter demands that Onanuga retract his statement and issue an unreserved apology to Obi within 72 hours of receiving the letter. The apology must be published in at least four national dailies: Vanguard, THISDAY, Punch, and The Cable, as well as Onanuga’s verified X handle, @aonanuga1956.
Additionally, Obi is seeking ₦5 billion in damages for the embarrassment and distress caused by the defamatory publication. Failure to meet these demands will compel Obi to pursue legal action against Onanuga for defamation and libel in a court of competent jurisdiction.
