Media personality Robert Ekpo has dismissed a cease-and-desist notice issued by his estranged wife, Mayowa Lambe, describing her N100 million damages demand as excessive, unfounded, and premature.
Ekpo, through his legal representatives at TAP Legal Services, responded on Thursday and shared the letter on Instagram, a day after Lambe’s team made their notice public.
The reply, dated April 23 and signed by M. M. Obono, was addressed to Chinedu Nwaneli of Aunt Landa’s Bethel Foundation.
In the letter, Ekpo ‘categorically denies the allegations’ and ‘takes strong exception’ to claims that his statements were false, malicious, or defamatory.
It stated that his remarks were based on personal experiences and what he reasonably believes to be true, stressing that there was no intention to harm Lambe’s reputation.
“Any statements made by him, whether privately or on public platforms, were based on his personal experiences, understanding of events, and matters he reasonably believes to be true. At no time did he act with malice or with the intent to injure your client’s reputation.”
The letter added that the dispute arose from a “complex interpersonal relationship” and warned against presenting facts selectively to create a misleading narrative.
“The issues referenced arise from a complex interpersonal relationship, the facts of which cannot be selectively presented to construct a misleading narrative against our client.”
Ekpo’s legal team maintained that the N100 million claim was excessive and premature, while also describing the three-day ultimatum as unreasonable and inconsistent with standard legal practice in matters involving contested facts.
They further stated that Ekpo possesses documentary and testimonial evidence contradicting several claims made by Lambe, including records of communications and interactions, which would be presented “at the appropriate time and forum.”
The letter also warned of possible counterclaims, noting that Ekpo would firmly defend any legal action and may pursue claims for harassment, intimidation, and reputational damage.
“Should your client proceed with legal action, our client will robustly defend the suit and reserve the right to file appropriate counterclaims, including, but not limited to, claims for harassment, intimidation, and reputational harm arising from false or exaggerated accusations.”
It also stated that Lambe’s notice contained “an admission of some of our client’s claims,” adding that Ekpo may present it as evidence in a petition to United States authorities, particularly the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
While expressing openness to resolving the dispute legally, the letter emphasised that Ekpo “will not be coerced into admissions or concessions under threat.”
“While our client remains open to lawful and structured resolution mechanisms, he will not be coerced into admissions or concessions under threat. Kindly govern yourselves accordingly.”
The legal dispute follows Ekpo’s appearance on a podcast, where he made several allegations about their relationship, including claims that Lambe secretly used contraceptives, misled him about a medical trip, and left him financially strained while abroad.
He also said he later discovered she had remarried in Texas after over a decade together.
In response, Lambe’s legal team maintained that their traditional marriage had been mutually dissolved with family consent before May 11, 2025, and that no marital relationship existed at the time of the podcast.
They also said she has financial records, medical documents, and communications that challenge Ekpo’s claims.