Obi Officially Serves Okonkwo N8bn Defamation Suit

Peter Obi has formally served actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo with a writ of summons in a defamation suit over comments allegedly made during a television interview.

Court documents dated June 25, 2026, show that Obi is seeking N8 billion in damages following remarks allegedly made by Okonkwo during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8, 2026. The interview was later circulated on YouTube and other social media platforms.

The legal action was filed on Obi’s behalf by Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN) of Alex Ejesieme, SAN & Co. (Madiba Chambers), Awka, Anambra State.

The dispute follows a growing disagreement between the two former political allies, who have recently criticised each other over political issues and developments within the opposition.

The court documents directed Okonkwo to enter an appearance within 42 days after receiving the writ. Failure to respond within the stipulated period could allow the court to continue proceedings in his absence.

Obi claimed that the statements made during the interview and later repeated online were false and damaging to his character. He is asking the court to award N5 billion as general damages for the alleged harm to his reputation, integrity, public image, political standing and goodwill.

He is also seeking N2 billion as aggravated damages, arguing that the statements continued to be published even after his legal representatives issued a demand letter on June 9, 2026.

In addition, Obi requested N1 billion in exemplary damages, maintaining that the defendant allegedly repeated the claims despite being informed of his objections.

Apart from financial compensation, Obi wants the court to compel Okonkwo to publish a full retraction and apology on Channels Television, its YouTube platform, his verified social media accounts and three national newspapers.

The suit also asks the court to order the removal of all publications containing the disputed claims from platforms controlled by Okonkwo and to issue a perpetual injunction stopping him from making similar allegations in the future.

Obi is equally asking for post-judgment interest on any damages awarded by the court, along with the cost of the legal proceedings.