Admiral Alison Madueke has filed a petition with the Lagos State High Court seeking to dissolve his marriage to Diezani Madueke and requesting an order to prevent her from continuing to use his surname. Madueke, a former military governor of Anambra and Imo states, married Diezani on June 30, 1999, under the Marriage Act. The petition argues that Diezaniās continued use of his name is damaging to his reputation, especially given the corruption allegations against her.
In the petition, Madueke notes that Diezani had previously filed for divorce at the Nasarawa State High Court in Mararaba Gurku in November 2021, citing an irretrievable breakdown of their marriage. Madueke did not contest this lawsuit, and the court dissolved their marriage. Despite this, Diezani has continued to use his surname.
Madueke explains that on April 13, 2022, Hon. Justice A.A. Ozegya delivered a judgment dissolving their marriage, which has now become absolute. He asserts that Diezaniās continued use of his name is without justification or his consent and is causing him embarrassment.
On December 14, 2023, Madueke directed his legal representatives to serve Diezani a formal request to cease using his surname and revert to her maiden name, Agama. Despite this, Diezani has not responded and continues to use his name.
Madueke highlights that Diezani is undergoing criminal trials in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom for corruption and financial misconduct. He argues that her continued use of his name falsely suggests a continuing relationship between them, creating a misleading impression and tarnishing his reputation.
The petition seeks a perpetual injunction restraining Diezani from using his name, emphasizing the significant risk of legal and financial harm to Madueke. He urges the court to intervene and safeguard his image, personality, and reputation.