Esinjemiyotan Atsepoyi, the wife of renowned Nigerian comedian Mr Jollof, has launched a defamation lawsuit against popular social media activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan.
The claim seeks a staggering N500 million in damages, as escalating tensions between the two prominent figures have led to serious allegations that Mrs Atsepoyi vehemently denies.
The roots of this controversy trace back to a series of incendiary claims made by VeryDarkMan, who operates primarily from Abuja.
It all began when Otse alleged that Mrs Atsepoyi employed dubious methods to allegedly manipulate her husband, Freedom Okpetoritse Atsepoyi, into securing a prestigious role as the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
These allegations strike at the integrity of not only Mrs. Atsepoyi but also her husband’s professional accomplishments.
In addition to the accusations regarding her husband’s appointment, VeryDarkMan took his claims further.
He accused Mrs Atsepoyi of engaging in an extramarital affair with a “Yahoo boy” and allegedly having relations with several politicians.
Such allegations are not only damaging but could have far-reaching repercussions for both Mrs Atsepoyi’s personal life and her business endeavours.
In a bid to defend her honour and reputational integrity, Mrs Atsepoyi has issued a stern 30-day ultimatum demanding that VeryDarkMan appear in court to substantiate his claims.
She took to social media platforms to circulate a four-page writ of summons, effectively stating her intentions to pursue legal action against him.
This legal document meticulously outlines the nature of the accusations and the subsequent damage caused by the public dissemination of these claims.
Among the demands put forth in the lawsuit is the request for N500 million in compensation for the harm that has been inflicted on both her reputation and her business.
This significant sum illustrates the depth of her distress over the situation and underscores the seriousness of the claims made by VeryDarkMan.
Moreover, Mrs. Atsepoyi is also asking the court for an order requiring VeryDarkMan to issue a public apology.
This apology must be published in at least two nationally circulated newspapers and shared across all of his active social media platforms.
This measure seeks not only to repair the damage done but also to reaffirm the integrity of Mrs Atsepoyi in the public eye.
The legal documentation outlines several declarations, including: A proclamation that VeryDarkMan has indeed defamed Mrs Atsepoyi through his online publications dated the 15th,16th, and early hours of the 19th of September,2024.
A formal direction from the court mandating VeryDarkMan to compensate Mrs Atsepoyi to the tune of N500 million as general damages for the harm caused by his statements.
An official order that compels VeryDarkMan to publicly apologize to Mrs Atsepoyi via two reputable national newspapers and on all his social media accounts.
A request for a perpetual injunction that would restrain VeryDarkMan from making any further defamatory remarks regarding Mrs Atsepoyi in the future.
This unfolding legal saga not only sheds light on the personal struggles of those within Nigeria’s entertainment industry but also highlights the immense pressures and scrutiny that public figures often face.
As the days progress, the eyes of the public and media remain glued to this high-profile case, eager to see how it will develop in the courts.
In a world where social media has the power to amplify voices, the need for accountability and respect for individual reputations has never been more critical.
As this story continues to evolve, it raises important questions about freedom of speech, the consequences of allegations, and the dignity of individuals in the public domain.
