JUST-IN: Former Imo Governor Achike Udenwa Slams ₦5 Billion Defamation Suit on Kenneth Okonkwo

Former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, has instituted a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit against actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over remarks allegedly made during a recent television interview.

The legal action follows comments attributed to Okonkwo in which he reportedly made allegations concerning Udenwa’s involvement in the alleged extortion of political aspirants during party activities.

Udenwa, through his legal representatives, described the statements as false, malicious, and highly damaging to his reputation, insisting that the allegations have the potential to tarnish his public image and political legacy.

The lawsuit was formally communicated in a demand letter dated June 11, 2026, issued by the law firm of Chief Soronnadi A. Njoku, SAN & Co.

According to the former governor, the remarks constitute a serious attack on his character and integrity, particularly given his years of service in public office, including his tenure as a two-term governor of Imo State and his subsequent role as a federal minister.

In the letter, Udenwa demanded an immediate and unreserved retraction of the statements allegedly made by Okonkwo. He also requested a public apology to be published with the same level of prominence as the original interview in which the comments were made.

Additionally, the former governor is seeking a written undertaking from Okonkwo, assuring that no further publication or repetition of the alleged defamatory claims will occur in the future.

As part of the legal demands, Udenwa is also claiming ₦5 billion in damages for what he described as injury to his reputation, character, and standing in the eyes of the public.

The former governor maintains that the allegations are unfounded and that their publication has exposed him to public ridicule and reputational harm.

The development adds a new chapter to the growing political exchanges involving prominent figures ahead of future political realignments, with legal observers noting that the matter could test the boundaries between political criticism and defamation under Nigerian law.

As of the time of filing this report, Kenneth Okonkwo had not publicly issued a detailed response to the lawsuit or the demands outlined in the legal letter.

The case is expected to attract significant public attention given the stature of both men and the nature of the allegations at the centre of the dispute.