Deji Adeyanju apologizes to PDP Chairman, Secretary over defamation claims

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has issued a public apology to the acting National Chairman and Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagun and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, following allegations of defamatory remarks.

Adeyanju’s comments, made during a podcast interview, accused Damagun of serving tea and Anyanwu of serving ‘Kilishi’ at the residence of President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. He also alleged that Damagun and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were acting as Tinubu’s moles within the PDP.

In response to these claims, Damagun and Anyanwu threatened legal action, citing both civil and criminal litigation. To avert the lawsuits, Adeyanju’s law firm, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, issued a letter dated December 6 retracting the statements and offering an apology for any harm caused.

The letter, signed by Zainab Otega, clarified that the remarks were not intended to defame Damagun and Anyanwu.

It expressed regret for any misinterpretation and formally withdrew the statements.

The letter read:

“We are solicitors to Deji Adeyanju, Esq. (hereinafter referred to as our client), on whose instruction we act.

“Our client received two letters from the law firm of the revered Senior Advocate of Nigeria, J. J. Usman, alleging that some statements he made on a podcast a few weeks ago were deemed defamatory of Damagun and Anyanwu, the National Chairman and Secretary of the PDP respectively.

“Our client’s statements on the podcast were taken out of the bigger context of the conversation, which centered on the need for the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party to provide a robust 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were not intended to defame your clients, and any perception of defamation in the said statements is regretted and withdrawn with apologies.

“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.”