Peter Obi, Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate and former Anambra governor, has filed a N1.5 billion defamation lawsuit against rights activist Deji Adeyanju at the Anambra State High Court, seeking retractions, apologies and damages over social media posts branding him a "religious bigot," "fraud" and "political prostitute."

The suit, lodged October 3 and served last Friday, demands Adeyanju retracts the statements across his X, Facebook and Instagram accounts, plus major outlets like Channels TV, TVC and Arise News. Obi also wants a perpetual injunction barring further claims and N500 million in aggravated damages, N1 billion in general damages for reputational harm, plus litigation costs and 18% interest.

Obi, who threatened action in August after Adeyanju sued his aide Serah Ibrahim over similar spats, alleges the posts—spanning years—caused "ridicule and emotional distress." His counsel argues the content is "false, baseless, unfounded, malicious, reckless, scandalous and defamatory," eroding his standing as a public figure.

Adeyanju, a vocal Obi critic, confirmed receipt in a Facebook post, vowing to "prove in court that Peter Obi is corrupt, a bigot, and a fraud." He mocked the venue—Anambra, far from his Abuja base—as "interesting" but promised "entertainment," framing it as a chance to air long-held views. The lawyer, who has tangled with Obidients over online barbs, sees the case as testing free speech limits in political discourse.

The rift traces to 2023 election tensions, with Adeyanju decrying Obi's "religious war" rhetoric in leaked audios and questioning his integrity. Obi, in turn, has slammed Adeyanju's attacks as baseless smears.

No court date is set, but the 42-day appearance window runs until late November, with default judgment looming if ignored.