A heated defamation battle has erupted between Nigerian businessman Tunde Ayeni and his wife, Adaobi Jenifer Alagwu, as allegations of false narratives and paternity disputes take center stage.
In a statement issued by her legal team, Ms. Alagwu accused Mr. Ayeni of orchestrating a smear campaign to deny his marriage to her and question the paternity of their daughter, Omarosa Abimbola Ayeni.
The statement revealed that Ms. Alagwu has endured “continuous attacks, blatant lies, and a coordinated smear campaign” for over a year. According to her lawyers, these allegations are part of an attempt to erase the existence of her child and defame her character.
Marriage and Paternity Dispute
Central to the controversy is the question of whether Tunde Ayeni was ever married to Ms. Alagwu and if he is the biological father of Omarosa.
Ms. Alagwu’s legal team insists that the couple was traditionally married, with bride price paid and video evidence to prove it. “The claim that Mr. Ayeni was never married to Ms. Alagwu is an outright lie,” the statement read. “Traditional marriage rites were lawfully conducted… Denying this now is both disingenuous and legally irrelevant.”
The dispute escalated when questions about Omarosa’s paternity surfaced. Ms. Alagwu maintains that her daughter was conceived after the marriage and that a DNA test conducted at the DNA Diagnostics Centre (DDC) in the United Kingdom confirmed Mr. Ayeni as the father.
The DNA Diagnostics Centre is a globally recognized institution known for strict international medical standards. According to the statement, the test results were sent directly to all parties involved, including Mr. Ayeni, his wife, and Ms. Alagwu.
Allegations Against Tunde Ayeni and His Wife
Ms. Alagwu’s legal team did not hold back in criticizing not only Tunde Ayeni but also his wife, Mrs. Biola Ayeni.
“It is a blatant falsehood to claim that Mrs. Biola Ayeni is unaware of Ms. Alagwu or her child,” the statement said. It further alleged that Mrs. Ayeni personally accompanied Ms. Alagwu and Omarosa to London for the DNA test.
“If, as alleged, there was no child, why did Mrs. Ayeni accompany them to a UK hospital for a paternity test?” the statement asked. It claims to have video evidence of the trip, emphasizing that this contradicts public denials made by Mr. Ayeni and his wife.
Controversy Over Child’s Birth
Ms. Alagwu also disclosed that Tunde Ayeni was present at the birth of Omarosa in the United States, cutting the umbilical cord himself. His name is allegedly listed on the child’s American birth certificate, with his signature as proof.
“There are photographs and multiple witnesses who can confirm this, making his current denials both fraudulent and disgraceful,” the statement declared.
Legal Implications and Public Reaction
The allegations have sparked widespread public interest, with many Nigerians following the drama closely. Legal experts suggest that the case could lead to serious legal repercussions for defamation, especially if the DNA test results are verified in court.
“If Mr. Ayeni or his associates insist on this baseless claim, they should take legal action against the DDC—an institution that follows strict international medical standards—rather than engaging in public deceit,” the statement challenged.
The case also raises questions about the impact of public perception and reputation on high-profile families in Nigeria. Some observers believe the scandal could have long-lasting implications for Tunde Ayeni’s public image.
Call for Honesty and Resolution
Despite the allegations, Ms. Alagwu maintains that she is not interested in disputes over wealth or assets but is focused on protecting her child’s identity and reputation.
“Omarosa Abimbola Ayeni is an innocent child, and no amount of manipulation, deception, or media propaganda will change the biological and legal facts,” the statement read.
Ms. Alagwu’s legal team urged all parties involved to practice “honesty, accountability, and discretion” to avoid further escalation.
A High-Profile Family Drama
This case adds to the growing list of high-profile family disputes among Nigerian elites, highlighting the influence of public narratives and social media in shaping public opinion.
Observers say the case’s outcome could set a precedent for how similar defamation and paternity disputes are handled in the future.
Meanwhile, neither Tunde Ayeni nor his wife, Mrs. Biola Ayeni, have publicly responded to the latest allegations. Legal experts suggest that their next steps could involve challenging the DNA test results in court, which would bring even more attention to the case.
The Truth Cannot Be Erased
Ms. Alagwu remains adamant that the truth will prevail, stating that no amount of “manipulation, deception, or media propaganda” can change the facts.
She vowed to defend her child’s existence and identity, no matter how long the battle lasts.
As the legal battle continues, Nigerians are left watching this dramatic family saga unfold, with many wondering how it will ultimately end.
