Retired Rear Admiral Alison Madueke has asked the Lagos State High Court in Igbosere to prevent his ex-wife, former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, from using his surname.
In a petition for jactitation of marriage (a declaration that a marital union has ended), the ex-Chief of Naval Staff requested the court to order Diezani to revert to her maiden name, Agama.
He argued that her continued use of his name amid corruption allegations could harm his reputation and falsely implicate him.
Rear Admiral Madueke, who previously served as a military governor of Anambra and Imo states, married Diezani on June 30, 1999.
He noted that she gained recognition in social and political circles through their marriage, which produced one child.
She began using the name “Alison Madueke” when she became a minister under the Jonathan Administration between 2010 and 2015.
Madueke’s petition, filed by his lawyers Chidi Ilogu (SAN), Dr. Nasiru Tijani, and Adedamola Kikiowo, stated that he and Diezani stopped living together in May 2015 when she moved to the United Kingdom after leaving her ministerial position.
Diezani later filed for divorce in November 2021, and the High Court of Nassarawa State in Mararaba Gurku dissolved the marriage due to irretrievable breakdown.
Despite the divorce, Diezani has continued to use his name. Rear Admiral Madueke stated, “On April 13, 2022, Hon. Justice A.A. Ozegya dissolved the marriage between the petitioner and the respondent on the grounds that it has broken down irretrievably. The dissolution has become final by law.”
He added, “Though the marriage has ended, the respondent continues to use my name without justification or consent. This has been an embarrassment and has created a misleading impression of our relationship.”
The petitioner mentioned that Diezani is undergoing criminal trials in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom, with ongoing allegations of corruption and financial misconduct.
He expressed concern that her continued use of his name could lead to mistaken liability or implicate him in her legal issues.
Rear Admiral Madueke requested the court to issue a perpetual injunction restraining Diezani from using his name and to order her to revert to her maiden name, Agama.
He also asked for an order directing her to publish a notice in a national newspaper in both Nigeria and the UK, stating that she has stopped using the name Alison Madueke.
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