Lagos, July 1, 2024 – A former Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral (Rtd) Alison Amaechina Madueke, has approached a High Court in Lagos State, seeking to prevent his former wife, Diezani Alison-Madueke, from using his first name (Alison) and surname (Madueke) following the dissolution of their marriage.
Mrs. Alison-Madueke, a former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum, and Rear Admiral Madueke ceased living together in May 2015 after her ministerial appointment. Their marriage was officially dissolved by Justice A.A. Ozegya of the High Court of Nasarawa State on April 13, 2022, under suit No. NSD/MG345/2021.
The former Naval chief, in suit No. LD/15144HD/2024, contends that Diezani continues to use her marital name despite the legal dissolution of their marriage. Originally named Diezani Kogbeni Agama, she has persisted in using “Alison-Madueke,” which Rear Admiral Madueke argues is inappropriate given their separation.
Rear Admiral Madueke asserts that he formally requested Diezani to revert to her maiden name in a letter dated December 14, 2023, through his solicitors, Messrs Foundation Chambers. He emphasized that her continued use of his name, especially in light of the ongoing allegations of corruption and financial misconduct against her, misleads the public and tarnishes his reputation.
“Referring to her as Diezani Alison-Madueke creates a misleading impression, thus tarnishing my reputation, integrity, and public image,” stated Rear Admiral Madueke in his court filings.
He is seeking a court order to restrain Diezani from further use of his first name (Alison) and surname (Madueke), thereby ensuring his personal and professional reputation remains untarnished.
The legal proceedings are being closely watched, given the high-profile nature of both individuals involved and the significant implications for personal name usage post-divorce.
