Retired Rear Admiral Alison Madueke has petitioned the Lagos State High Court in Igbosere to prevent his ex-wife and former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, from using his surname.
In his petition, Madueke requested a jactitation of marriage, declaring that their marital union has ended, and urged the court to order Diezani to revert to her maiden name, Agama. He argued that her continued use of his surname amid corruption allegations harms his reputation and could lead to mistaken liability.
Madueke, a former military governor of Anambra and Imo states, married Diezani on June 30, 1999, under the Marriage Act. The union, which produced one child, saw Diezani gain recognition in social and political circles, particularly during her tenure as a minister in the Jonathan Administration from 2010 to 2015.
The couple’s cohabitation ceased in May 2015 when Diezani relocated to the United Kingdom after her ministerial role ended. Diezani later filed for the dissolution of their marriage in November 2021 at the High Court of Nassarawa State, citing irretrievable breakdown. Madueke did not contest the suit, and the court officially dissolved the marriage.
Despite the legal termination of their marriage, Madueke claims Diezani continues to use his name. In his petition, he stated, “On April 13, 2022, the marriage was dissolved by Hon. Justice A.A. Ozegya, and this dissolution has become absolute by law. Despite this, the respondent continues to use my first name and surname without any justification or consent.”
Madueke’s lawyers sent a letter to Diezani on December 14, 2023, requesting her to stop using his names and revert to her pre-marital name, but she has not complied.
Madueke emphasized that Diezani’s continued use of his surname creates embarrassment and false impressions, especially given her ongoing criminal trials in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He argued that this association could lead to mistaken liability or implicate him in her legal issues.
“The respondent’s persistent portrayal of herself as my spouse tarnishes my reputation and poses a significant risk of legal and financial harm,” Madueke stated.
He seeks a perpetual injunction restraining Diezani from using his names and from asserting any marital relationship between them. He also requests an order directing her to revert to her maiden name, Agama, and to publish this change in national newspapers in both Nigeria and the UK.
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