According to reports, former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, has taken steps towards legal action against former Nollywood actor and lawyer Kenneth Okonkwo over comments he described as damaging and defamatory during a television interview.
A pre-action notice dated June 11, 2026, and issued by Udenwa’s lawyer, Chief Soronnadi A. Njoku, SAN, of Nnodim Njoku Chambers, outlined the demands being made before a possible court case. The former governor is requesting a public apology, withdrawal of the alleged defamatory remarks, and N5 billion in damages.
The dispute followed remarks reportedly made by Okonkwo during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8, 2026. During the interview, Okonkwo allegedly accused Udenwa, Oyema Ugochukwu, Peter Obi, and other South-East political figures of exploiting aspirants from the region.
Udenwa’s legal representatives argued that the statements damaged his reputation by suggesting involvement in dishonest activities. They highlighted his record as a two-term governor of Imo State and former federal minister, stating that he had never been convicted or accused of corruption.
The legal notice gave Okonkwo seven days to issue an apology, publish a retraction in national newspapers, broadcast the apology on television, and pay the demanded compensation. Failure to comply, the letter warned, would lead to a lawsuit seeking damages and other court orders.
