Ex-Imo Gov, Udenwa Seeks N5Bn In Damages From Okonkwo Over Alleged Defamation
Chief Achike Udenwa, the former Governor of Imo State, has announced his intention to initiate legal action against Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo for allegedly defaming his character.
In this defamation lawsuit, the former Governor seeks N5 billion in damages from Mr. Okonkwo, asserting that Mr. Okonkwo tarnished his reputation by claiming in a Channels TV interview on June 8, 2026, that Chief Udenwa, along with Mr. Peter Obi and Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, extorted money from aspirants of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) of South East origin.
In a letter sent to Mr. Okonkwo by Chief Udenwa’s legal representative, Chief Soronnadi Njoku SAN, the former Governor also demands an apology from Mr. Okonkwo, a retraction of the defamatory statement, and a commitment not to make such defamatory publications against him in the future.
Chief Njoku emphasized that, despite serving as Governor for eight years and later as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Udenwa has never been accused of corruption nor has any pending corruption case, either in Nigeria or elsewhere in the world.
Furthermore, Chief Njoku insists that Mr. Okonkwo must broadcast the retraction on the same Channels TV platform where he disparaged his client, as well as on all other media platforms that disseminated the story from the television station.
Additionally, Mr. Okonkwo is required to pay the N5 billion in damages, failing which legal action will be pursued for redress.
It is important to note that Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo, who is an actor and pastor, holds the position of spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Additionally, he previously served as the spokesperson for Mr. Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential campaign.
Mr. Obi has since indicated his intention to initiate legal proceedings against Mr. Okonkwo concerning the same contentious interview on Channels TV.
As of now, the specific reasons for the separation between Mr. Okonkwo and Mr. Obi have not been disclosed to the public.
