Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has apologized for making allegedly defamatory remarks about the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagun, and the acting National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. This comes after the two party leaders threatened legal action over the comments.
In a letter dated December 6, 2024, and signed by Zainab Otega of Deji Adeyanju & Partners, Adeyanju expressed regret and retracted his statements. Addressed to Johnson Usman, SAN, legal counsel for Damagun and Anyanwu, the letter clarified that the statements were not intended to defame.
Retraction and Apology
The letter stated, “Our client’s statements on the podcast were taken out of the bigger context of the conversation, which was the need for the leadership of the PDP to provide a strong opposition to the ruling party. These statements were not intended to defame your clients, and any perception of defamation in the said statements is regretted and withdrawn with apologies.”
Adeyanju reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for a better Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of constructive criticism for those in leadership.
Controversial Allegations
The controversy began after Adeyanju made comments on The Honest Bunch podcast, accusing Damagun and Anyanwu of being “moles” for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He alleged that Damagun served tea and Anyanwu served kilishi (a popular Nigerian delicacy) at the home of President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Adeyanju further claimed that the PDP was under the influence of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, whom he referred to as a key ally of Tinubu.
“The current PDP is in Wike’s pocket at the national level. He installed the current PDP National Chairman, who goes to serve tea in Femi Gbajabiamila’s house. While Damagun is serving tea, PDP’s National Secretary, Sam Anyanwu, goes to the kitchen to serve kilishi,” Adeyanju alleged during the podcast.
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Legal Action Averted
Following these remarks, Damagun and Anyanwu, through their lawyer Johnson Usman, SAN, threatened to sue Adeyanju for civil and criminal defamation. They demanded a retraction and a public apology through national newspapers and social media platforms to avoid legal proceedings.
The apology from Adeyanju appears to have eased tensions, potentially averting a courtroom battle.
Despite the controversy, Adeyanju emphasized his role as a human rights activist committed to holding leaders accountable.
“As a human rights activist, our client remains committed to the betterment of Nigeria and will continue to urge those in leadership to prioritize the interest of Nigerians above personal interests,” the letter read.