Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has issued an apology to the acting National Chairman and acting National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagun and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, following his controversial remarks made during a podcast interview.
In the interview, Adeyanju had accused Damagun of serving tea and Anyanwu of serving “Kilishi” at the residence of Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu. Additionally, Adeyanju alleged that both Damagun and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, were acting as moles for Tinubu within the PDP.
The allegations prompted Damagun and Anyanwu to threaten legal action, including civil and criminal litigation. In response to these threats, Adeyanju’s law firm, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, issued a formal retraction of the statements. A letter dated December 6, signed by Zainab Otega, expressed regret for any harm caused by the remarks and clarified that the statements were not intended to defame the PDP leaders.
The letter read in part: “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.”
It further clarified that the statements were taken out of the broader context of the conversation, which focused on the need for 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were not intended to defame your clients, and any perception of defamation in the said statements is regretted and withdrawn with apologies,” the letter continued.
Adeyanju, a prominent human rights activist, reiterated his commitment to the betterment of Nigeria and emphasized that he remains dedicated to encouraging leaders to prioritize the country’s interests over personal gain.
