LAGOS, Nigeria — Retired Rear Admiral Alison Madueke has appealed to the Lagos State High Court in Igbosere to prohibit his ex-wife, former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, from continuing to use his surname.
Madueke has requested that the court order Diezani to revert to her maiden name, Diezani Kogbeni Agama, and to publicly announce this change in newspapers in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The petition, lodged under suit number LD/15144HD/2024 and made public on Monday, July 1, 2024, argues that Diezani’s continued use of his surname poses significant legal and financial risks to him due to her ongoing criminal trials in both countries.
According to Rear Admiral Madueke (Rtd), he and Diezani ceased living together in May 2015 following her ministerial appointment.
Diezani subsequently filed for divorce in November 2021, which was finalized on April 13, 2022, by Hon. Justice A.A. Ozegya at the High Court of Nassarawa State, Mararaba Gurku Judicial Division.
The retired naval chief expressed that Diezani’s continued association with his name is causing embarrassment and damage to his reputation and public image.
Despite the legal dissolution of their marriage, Diezani continues to use his name without justification or consent, creating a false impression of an ongoing relationship.
Madueke also stated that he had instructed his solicitors, Messrs Foundation Chambers, to send a formal letter to Diezani on December 14, 2023, requesting her to cease using his name and revert to her maiden name.
“The ongoing association of Diezani with my name is causing significant distress and harm to my reputation,” Madueke asserted in his petition.
He emphasised the necessity of formally enforcing this name change and ensuring public notification to prevent further misassociation.
The court is expected to deliberate on the matter in the coming weeks.
