Breaking News: Alison Madueke Seeks Court Intervention to Prevent Diezani from Using His Name, Citing Embarrassment
Lagos, Nigeria — Alison Madueke, a former Chief of Naval Staff, has submitted a formal request to the Lagos State High Court, seeking to restrict Diezani, a former Minister of Petroleum, from using his surname. The petition, aimed at protecting his reputation, highlights the complications stemming from their dissolved marriage.
Madueke, who also served as the military governor of Anambra and Imo states, married Diezani under the Marriage Act on June 30, 1999. However, he claims that Diezani initiated divorce proceedings at the Nasarawa State High Court in Mararaba Gurku in November 2021, citing an irreparable breakdown of their marriage. Since May 2015, they have lived separately following Diezani’s departure to the UK.
In his request for jactitation of marriage, Madueke stated, “The said dissolution of marriage has now become absolute by the operation of law. Even though the marriage has been dissolved and is now legally finalised, the respondent continues to use the petitioner’s first name (Alison) and surname (Madueke) as her own without any justification or consent from the petitioner. It is now more than two years that the respondent continues to use the name of the petitioner to his embarrassment.”
Madueke further elaborated that Diezani has been portraying herself as his wife despite their legal separation. He emphasized the embarrassment and misleading impression this creates, especially given Diezani’s ongoing criminal trials in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom for allegations of corruption and financial misconduct.
“The persistent portrayal of the respondent as the spouse of the petitioner is creating embarrassment, a misleading impression and tarnishing the reputation, integrity, and public image of the petitioner,” the petition reads.
Madueke is seeking the court’s intervention to prevent Diezani from continuing to use his name, arguing that her actions pose significant risks of legal and financial harm to him. The petition aims to safeguard his image, personality, and reputation from further damage.
As this legal battle unfolds, it underscores the complex interplay between personal relationships and public perceptions, particularly for individuals in high-profile positions.
