Peter Obi Reportedly Sues President Tinubu’s Aide, Bayo Onanuga For N5 Billion

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi is reportedly suing Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy.

Through his lawyer, Alex Ejesieme (SAN) of Madiba Chambers, Peter Obi demanded a retraction of a claim made by Bayo Onanuga that the LP flagbearer was behind a planned protest for August.

On July 20, 2024, Onanuga posted on his X handle (@aonanuga1956) that “Peter Obi’s supporters are the people planning mayhem in Nigeria” and that “Obi should be held responsible for anarchy.”

In his letter, Obi’s lawyer stated that these allegations, widely circulated on social and mainstream media, damaged Obi’s reputation by wrongly portraying him as someone who incites violence.

The letter asserted that this was a calculated attempt to demean and embarrass Obi, and that the claims have shocked his well-wishers worldwide.

Obi is demanding that Onanuga retract the statement and issue an unreserved apology within 72 hours in at least four national newspapers (Vanguard, THISDAY, Punch, and The Cable) and on his verified X account

Additionally, Obi is seeking ₦5 billion in damages for the embarrassment caused to him and his family.

The letter concludes that if Onanuga fails to meet these demands, Obi will pursue legal action for defamation and libel.

“It’s our client’s conviction that the publication was a calculated plot to demean, ridicule, humiliate and embarrass him by the estimation of every right thinking member of the society,” the letter said.

“The allegation may have achieved its “insipid motive” as well-wishers from all around the globe have inundated Obi to register their shock.

“His appellation as ‘Okwute’ ( the Rock) notwithstanding, the demeaning and scandalous publication has also caused a serious emotional injury to our client given his decades of stellar stewardship in private and public life.

“Consequently, we have our client’s mandate to demand that you retract the statement made in the publication and tender an unreserved apology to him within 72 hours of the receipt of this letter in not less than 4 National Dailies to wit: Vanguard, THISDAY, Punch and the Cable, including your verified X @aonanuga1956.

“Our client is also making an unequivocal demand for the monetary damage of N5b for the embarrassment your defamatory publication has caused him and his family,” the letter said.

Obi’s lawyers concluded that “in the event of your failure to meet the demands set out above, our client shall be constrained to approach a Court of Competent jurisdiction and take legal action against you for defamation and libel.”

KanyiDaily recalls that Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh had also warned Nigerian youths against their planned nationwide protest in August.