Emeka Ugwuonye, the lawyer representing May Edochie in her ongoing divorce case with actor Yul Edochie, has officially stepped down from the case.
The legal expert, who led the charge through his firm, Due Process Advocate (DPA), said he was forced to quit due to what he described as intense harassment from May’s online supporters.
The announcement was made on Monday via a statement shared on the official Facebook page of DPA. In the statement, Ugwuonye explained that the toxic behaviour of some fans within the group known as “May Nation” had made it impossible for him and his staff to continue.
According to Ugwuonye, the lawyer initially agreed to represent May to help her pursue justice after the collapse of her marriage.
However, the environment around the case soon turned hostile. He claimed that supporters who once hailed May began directing abuse toward his law firm, often in more severe ways than they had experienced from the camp of her estranged husband, Yul Edochie.
“My staff face daily abuse from May’s supporters, having already endured similar attacks from Yul’s supporters,” the statement read. “The hostile environment fostered by certain individuals within the ‘May Nation’ group made it untenable for us to continue effective representation.”
Ugwuonye stressed that while the legal team had been fully committed to May’s cause, the growing hostility made it clear that their efforts were no longer welcome. He said the negative energy directed at his office by May’s fans disrupted the ability of the team to work professionally and without fear.
He also stated that May’s inability to control or speak against the toxic behaviour of her fanbase signalled a breakdown in the trust and coordination needed for an effective lawyer-client relationship.
“Queen May’s inability to meaningfully influence this increasingly toxic faction of her supporters is incompatible with the level of investment required for our representation,” the statement added.
Despite withdrawing from the case, Ugwuonye made it clear that he holds no grudge against May Edochie herself. On the contrary, he described her as a “remarkable woman” who has suffered betrayal and has been forced into a polygamous situation against her will.
The lawyer emphasised that the legal team had been passionate about defending her rights and supporting her through her public marital crisis. However, he added that no legal service can thrive in a space that is emotionally charged and hostile to the very people trying to help.
In his closing remarks, Ugwuonye assured that DPA would fully cooperate with any legal team that May chooses to work with going forward. He also noted that all records and materials relevant to the case would be handed over without delay to ensure a smooth transition.
“DPA will work cooperatively with Queen May and her team to transition our work to any successor representatives she designates,” he said.
May Edochie, the estranged wife of popular Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, has been in the middle of a public legal battle since her husband’s decision to take actress Judy Austin as a second wife. The development sparked widespread controversy, as many Nigerians sympathised with May and praised her for maintaining a calm and dignified public image.
The situation, however, appears to have taken a new turn with the resignation of her legal team, which had been vocal in its defense of her rights and dignity. As she continues her battle, it remains to be seen who will take over her legal representation and how the case will proceed.
With this development, May’s fight for justice may face new challenges, but her supporters still hope for a fair outcome.
