May Edochie’s Legal Battle Suffers Blow as Advocate Withdraws Amid Cyberbullying From Her Own Supporters

 

May Edochie, the estranged wife of popular Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, has lost her legal representation following the resignation of her lawyer, Emeka Ugwuonye. This unexpected development was confirmed through an official statement issued by Due Process Advocate (DPA), the legal firm spearheaded by Ugwuonye, on their verified Facebook page.

Ugwuonye’s decision to withdraw from the ongoing legal tussle stems not from any action by May or her estranged husband, but rather from persistent harassment by a section of May’s fanbase, popularly referred to as the “May Nation.” The attorney described the online environment surrounding the case as increasingly toxic, particularly noting the behavior of individuals who identify as loyal supporters of May.

He disclosed that the relentless nature of the cyberbullying had made it impossible for him and his team to continue with the case. Despite his law firm’s initial commitment to ensuring May received justice following the breakdown of her marriage, the environment had become hostile and emotionally exhausting for the professionals involved.

According to the DPA statement, the staff members handling May’s case were subjected to constant verbal attacks, character defamation, and daily abuse online. Ironically, Ugwuonye said the intensity of the attacks from May’s own followers surpassed those faced from supporters of Yul Edochie and his alleged partner, Judy Austin.

Ugwuonye reflected on the evolution of the case, stating that what started as a noble cause to support a woman facing betrayal and forced polygamy, quickly morphed into a chaotic ordeal complicated by uncontrollable fan interference. He emphasized that the firm’s intent had always been to provide May with solid legal backing and to stand with her in what has become one of Nigeria’s most publicized celebrity marital conflicts.

Legal practitioners involved in high-profile cases often expect a degree of scrutiny from the public, but Ugwuonye stressed that the situation had spiraled beyond normal criticism. The backlash extended beyond social media comments, affecting his staff’s mental well-being and diminishing their ability to function effectively on the case.

While he maintained that May remains a dignified individual who has been unfairly dragged through a difficult personal storm, Ugwuonye was clear that her inability or unwillingness to moderate the aggressive behavior of her fanbase raised concerns. He noted that meaningful legal advocacy demands not just dedication from the lawyers, but also cooperation and a conducive environment from the client’s support system.

Without assigning blame to May directly, the lawyer acknowledged that her failure to publicly discourage the online harassment of his team compromised the integrity of their legal strategy. This lack of restraint, he argued, conflicts with the high level of commitment and investment required to represent someone embroiled in such a complex legal and emotional matter.

Despite the end of the formal relationship between May and DPA, Ugwuonye expressed his respect for her and reiterated his belief in her victimhood. He praised her strength in the face of betrayal and highlighted the unfair circumstances surrounding her marriage's collapse. According to him, the actions of Yul Edochie, who introduced a second wife without May’s consent, remain at the heart of the dispute.

Ugwuonye closed the statement by assuring that DPA would work collaboratively with any legal representatives May selects to take over her case. He expressed hope that the transition will be smooth and efficient, and affirmed that all necessary files and documents would be made available to the incoming legal team.

The resignation of such a prominent advocate leaves May Edochie’s legal campaign at a crossroads. Her supporters, once seen as a pillar of strength in her public journey, may now need to reflect on how their actions online can impact her ability to receive professional representation.

As the case unfolds, all eyes will remain on how May navigates this new phase without her former lawyer. The hope for many is that she will find renewed legal support capable of weathering the storm both in and outside the courtroom.