Admiral Alison Madueke, a former Chief of Naval Staff, has filed a petition in the Lagos State High Court, seeking to legally end his ex-wife Diezani’s use of his last name. Madueke is requesting that the former Minister of Petroleum Resources revert to her maiden name, Agama, to prevent further damage to his reputation.
In his petition, Madueke highlighted that Diezani had initiated divorce proceedings in the Nassarawa State High Court in November 2021, citing an irreparable breakdown in their marriage. The court dissolved their union in April 2022, but despite the finalization, Diezani has continued to use his surname, which Madueke claims causes him embarrassment and potential liability due to the serious corruption allegations against her.
Madueke, who served as the military governor of Anambra and Imo states and married Diezani in 1999, emphasized that Diezani’s ongoing use of his name misleads the public into believing they are still married, which is particularly problematic given her ongoing criminal trials in Nigeria and the UK. He noted that Diezani’s continued use of his name has led to public confusion and damage to his personal and professional reputation.
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Madueke’s petition also revealed that despite a formal request made in December 2023 for Diezani to cease using his surname, she has not complied. He seeks a court order to enforce the cessation of Diezani’s use of his name and to have her publicly announce the change in major newspapers in both Nigeria and the UK.
Diezani, who has held several high-profile government positions and was the first female President of OPEC, faces allegations of embezzling $2.5 billion during her tenure as Minister of Petroleum Resources. Madueke’s legal action aims to protect his image and prevent further association with the ongoing corruption trials and public allegations against Diezani.
