Chimezie Princewill Onwuka, through his lawyers, has refused to apologise or retract allegations linking activist Deji Adeyanju to a schoolmate’s death, insisting the claims were based on reports already in the public domain.
Controversial Nigerian human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has become the center of fresh controversy after Chimezie Princewill Onwuka refused to apologise over allegations linking him to the death of a schoolmate during his school days.
The controversy began after Onwuka allegedly made social media publications accusing Adeyanju of being involved in the death of a fellow student while in school. Following the claims, Adeyanju reportedly threatened legal action and demanded a public apology and immediate retraction from Onwuka.
However, Onwuka has now responded through his lawyer, insisting that he owes the activist no apology.
In a letter dated May 26, 2026, and signed by Igwe Ogwo Esq. of Winners Chambers, Onwuka’s legal team replied to a demand letter earlier sent by Deji Adeyanju’s lawyers, Deji Adeyanju & Partners.
According to the letter, Onwuka’s lawyers maintained that the statements made against Adeyanju were based on reports already existing in the public domain and previously published by several media outlets.
“Our client’s position is that the contents of his alleged publication are substantially true in fact and it is a fair comment on facts which are already in the public domain and published by several news outlets,” the letter stated.
The lawyers further argued that Onwuka used the word “allegedly” in his publication, insisting that the statement did not amount to outright defamation.
The legal response also claimed that Deji Adeyanju was allegedly once charged before a court and even remanded in prison over the matter. The letter additionally referenced reports alleging that Festus Keyamo played a role in the case on behalf of Adeyanju at the time.
Onwuka’s legal team also argued that Adeyanju never sued media organisations that previously published similar allegations, claiming this suggested acceptance or tolerance of those earlier reports.
Rather than apologising or retracting the statement, Onwuka’s lawyers challenged Adeyanju to proceed to court if he believes he was defamed.
“In the light of the above, may we urge you to advise your client appropriately,” the letter concluded.
The development has generated reactions online, with supporters of both men debating the allegations and the legal exchange.
As of the time of filing this report, Deji Adeyanju has not publicly reacted to the latest response from Onwuka’s legal team.
