Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has formally demanded a written retraction, public apology, and N100 billion in damages from Hon. Barr. Eze Chikamnayo, popularly known as Iyierioba Chikamnayo, for a series of allegedly defamatory posts published on Facebook.
In a letter dated October 2, 2025, signed by his legal counsel Dr. Sonny Ajala, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Governor Otti accused Chikamnayo of posting “unjustified demonic online defamatory content” on his Facebook page titled “Iyierioba Chikamnayo.”
Key Alleged Defamatory Posts
The letter cites multiple posts, including:
“Alex Otthief is a confirmed criminal and disaster!” – September 22, 2025
“Fighting Promax!!!!” – September 21, 2025
“Old or new Abia?” – September 14, 2025
“Sabbath Message” – September 13, 2025
“Alex Otthief is a confirmed criminal and congenital liar = looting governor!” – August 15, 2025
Ajala emphasized that Governor Otti is the only sitting governor in Nigeria named Alex Chioma Otti, making the online attacks unmistakably directed at him.
Otti’s Career and Integrity Highlighted
The SAN highlighted Governor Otti’s “sterling integrity,” referencing his distinguished banking career, including his tenure as Managing Director/Chief Executive of Diamond Bank Plc, prior to entering politics.
Alleged Impact of Defamatory Posts
Ajala described the posts as “a cocktail of disparaging publications calculated to instigate public hatred against our client,” asserting that Otti has no criminal conviction and that the online claims are “blatant falsehoods.”
The legal notice also claimed the posts caused mental distress, depression, and reputational damage, potentially diminishing Otti’s standing among the public.
Demands from Chikamnayo
Governor Otti’s legal team demands:
1. Written retraction of all defamatory posts on Chikamnayo’s Facebook wall and publication in four national newspapers: ThisDay, Punch, The Nation, and National Ambassador.
2. Public apology on the same Facebook page.
3. Compensation of N100 billion for reputational damage.
4. Undertaking to cease any further defamatory publications.
Legal Warning
Ajala warned that if these demands are not met within seven (7) days, Otti’s legal team will pursue legal redress to address the alleged online libel.
