The political atmosphere in Imo State has taken a dramatic legal turn as the former Governor of the state, Chief Achike Udenwa, has instituted a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit against Nollywood veteran turned politician, Kenneth Okonkwo.
The lawsuit arises from allegedly defamatory statements made by Okonkwo during a recent public outing, which the former governor claims were designed to maliciously malign his character, integrity, and long-standing public service record.
According to sources close to the legal team of the former governor, the friction began following a widely circulated interview and social media commentary where Kenneth Okonkwo allegedly made unsubstantiated claims regarding Udenwa’s tenure as governor (1999–2007) and his subsequent political engagements.
While the specific details of the remarks are currently sealed within the court processes, representatives for Udenwa assert that Okonkwo’s statements went beyond fair political commentary and crossed into deliberate character assassination.
”Our client has maintained an unblemished record of leadership and integrity both during and after his time in office. We will not sit by and watch reckless statements diminish a legacy built over decades of service to Nigeria,” a member of Udenwa’s legal counsel stated.
Chief Udenwa is seeking the relief of ₦5 Billion in Compounded damages for the psychological trauma, public ridicule, and loss of reputation suffered as a result of the statements. Then a public apology and retraction of the allegedly defamatory statements to be published prominently in at least three national dailies.
He is also issuing an order restraining Kenneth Okonkwo, his agents, or privies from making further defamatory comments against the elder statesman.
As of the time of filing this report, Kenneth Okonkwo has not issued an official legal response to the ₦5 billion suit, though sources close to the actor-politician indicate that his legal team is currently reviewing the court papers and prepares to vigorously defend his right to free speech and political expression.
