Udenwa Threatens Legal Action Against Okonkwo Over Defamation

Achike Udenwa, the former governor of Imo State, has initiated legal proceedings against Kenneth Okonkwo, a former Nollywood actor and legal practitioner, over alleged defamatory statements made during a live interview on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily on June 8, 2026. Udenwa's legal team, led by Soronnadi Njoku of Nnodim Njoku Chamber, issued a pre-litigation letter dated June 11, 2026, demanding a full retraction and public apology from Okonkwo, along with N5 billion in damages.

The controversy stems from Okonkwo's claims that Udenwa, alongside other leaders, was involved in extorting business aspirants in the Southeast. Udenwa's legal representatives noted that these claims have severely damaged his reputation, portraying him as a common criminal abusing his position for monetary gain.

They have given Okonkwo a seven-day ultimatum to comply with their demands, warning that failure to do so will result in a lawsuit in the High Court of Imo State seeking the specified damages and injunctive relief.