The governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has requested a written retraction, a public apology, and a compensation of ₦100 billion from Hon. Barr. Eze Chikamnayo, also referred to as Iyierioba Chikamnayo, due to what he called a series of harmful posts on Facebook.
In a letter dated October 2, 2025, and authored by his legal representative, Dr. Sonny Ajala (SAN) from Deeplaw Associates, Governor Otti stated that the publications were "defamatory and malicious."
The leader alleged that Chikamnayo repeatedly posted "unwarranted and harmful defamatory remarks" about him on his Facebook page named Iyierioba Chikamnayo.
Among the referenced posts are:
"Alex Otthief is a documented offender and catastrophe!" (September 22, 2025)
“Battling Promax!!!!” (September 21, 2025)
"Previous or recent Abia?" (September 14, 2025)
"Sabbath Address" (September 13, 2025)
"Alex Otthief is a documented criminal and natural liar - plundering governor!" (August 15, 2025).
Ajala emphasized that the governor's identity was clear, stating:
The client is the sole Governor and Chief Executive of a State among Nigeria's 36 states who has the name Alex Chioma Otti. Therefore, no effort is needed by members of the public to associate your malicious, false, and defamatory attacks with him, whether through direct naming or via caricature, wordplay, comparison, metaphor, sound imitation, or indirect reference.
The senior lawyer protected Otti's image, referring to him as a person of "unquestionable honesty," emphasizing his notable career in the banking industry, where he advanced to the position of Managing Director/Chief Executive at Diamond Bank Plc prior to moving into political life.
The correspondence also mentioned that Otti learned about the publications on September 29, 2025, during his visit to Abuja for the ceremony where he was awarded the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria by the state’s Attorney-General. At that moment, he became aware of what was referred to as "a mix of negative articles designed to provoke public hostility towards him."
Ajala claimed that the governor "firmly rejects all the harmful and false information posted online," emphasizing that Otti "has not been charged or found guilty by any court," and thus the posts constituted "clearly false claims."
The legal team additionally claimed that the publications caused "unmeasurable psychological suffering, depression, degradation, and a harsh erosion of his reputation accumulated over many years," resulting in Otti being "completely ruined and reduced in the view of sensible individuals in society."
Governor Otti’s demands include:
A written correction of all harmful posts to be released on the same Facebook page and in four major newspapers.
A written apology released on the same platforms.
A payment of ₦100 billion as reparation for harm to reputation.
A commitment to cease any additional defamatory publications.
Ajala ended the letter with a serious caution:
Please pay close attention to the fact that if you do not comply with our requirements within seven (7) days of receiving this letter, we will take legal action and pursue suitable remedies for your harmful online defamation of our client, without any additional communication with you.
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