A high-profile Nigerian attorney has withdrawn from representing May Edochie in her ongoing marital dispute with actor Yul Edochie, citing “relentless harassment” by her online supporters as the primary reason. Emeka Ugwuonye, founder of the legal firm Due Process Advocate (DPA), announced the decision in a Facebook statement, calling the environment created by a faction of May’s fanbase—dubbed “May Nation”—too hostile to sustain effective legal representation.
The dispute, which follows the breakdown of the Edochie marriage, escalated after Yul Edochie publicly acknowledged actress Judy Austin as his second wife in 2022, sparking debates about polygamy and women’s rights in Nigeria. Ugwuonye’s firm initially partnered with May to pursue justice in the matter but said persistent cyberbullying and “daily abuse” directed at his team by her supporters forced their withdrawal. The lawyer noted the harassment from May’s followers exceeded even the backlash previously faced from Yul’s supporters.
“The toxic atmosphere fostered by certain individuals within the ‘May Nation’ group made it untenable for us to continue,” read part of the statement. Ugwuonye emphasized that while Yul and Judy remained central to May’s grievances, the behavior of her online allies had compounded the challenges. His staff reportedly faced intense personal attacks, complicating their ability to navigate the case.
Despite stepping aside, Ugwuonye reiterated his respect for May, describing her as a “remarkable individual” and a victim of “betrayal and forced polygamy.” He affirmed DPA’s commitment to collaborate with any new legal team May appoints, ensuring a seamless transition of case files and strategies. “Queen May’s inability to meaningfully influence this increasingly toxic faction is incompatible with the investment required for our representation,” he stated, while clarifying the decision reflected practical realities rather than a judgment on her character.
The case has drawn significant attention in Nigeria, where celebrity marital disputes often intersect with cultural debates about gender roles and traditional practices. Social media’s role in amplifying conflicts has also come under scrutiny, with Ugwuonye’s withdrawal highlighting how public sentiment can impact legal proceedings. Neither May nor Yul has publicly commented on the development, though Ugwuonye’s statement urged restraint, noting that “justice cannot thrive in an environment poisoned by vitriol.”
Legal experts suggest the incident underscores broader challenges in high-stakes family law cases involving public figures, where online activism sometimes overshadows courtroom strategies. Ugwuonye’s firm, known for advocating women’s rights in matrimonial disputes, stressed its continued dedication to gender justice despite stepping away from this particular case.
