Businessman and philanthropist Tunde Ayeni has rejected an out-of-court settlement proposal allegedly initiated by Abuja-based lawyer and ex-mistress Adaobi Alagwu, insisting that the dispute between them must proceed in court.
In a statement on Monday, Mr Ayeni confirmed that Ms Alagwu made what he called back-door overtures aimed at resolving the matter privately.
“I confirm that through back-door channels, Alagwu has indeed made overtures towards settling this matter outside the courtroom,” he said.
“This development was unexpected given the public attention it has garnered, together with the reputational damages it has inflicted on me, my family, and my loved ones.”
Ayeni suggested that the move may be linked to what he described as Alagwu’s alleged pending marriage.
He said the matter has caused him reputational harm and that he intends to pursue it to a legal conclusion.
“It is evident that Alagwu’s pursuit of a settlement may have been influenced by her alleged pending marriage. However, such motivations hold no significance for me. My primary concern remains the restoration of my reputation, which has been impacted by this controversy,” he added.
He stated that he would not accept any private negotiation.
“Despite these attempts, I am resolute in my decision to reject any private offers for settlement,” he said.
“The allegations have caused damage to my reputation publicly, and I am committed to seeking full legal redress publicly. Accepting a private settlement would undermine the gravity of the accusations.”
Ayeni also cautioned his friends and associates against intervening or raising Alagwu’s name in conversations with him, saying he considers any such mention unacceptable.
“I am also using this medium to notify all my friends and associates to refrain from involving in anything concerning Adaobi,” he said.
“I no longer consider even the mention of her name as a friendly gesture, and I now regard same as a personal insult. Adaobi, her mother, or any member of her family are no longer a subject matter outside the litigations pending in court. No one should act as intermediaries to reach me on this matter.”
He reiterated his willingness to testify on the scheduled dates of 25 November and 17 February 2026, adding that he expects Alagwu to appear in court as well.
“I plan to testify in open court on the 25th of November 2025 and on the 17th of February 2026, and I expect her presence in court, rather than avoiding the proceedings as she did at the customary court,” he stated.
Mr Ayeni said he has been transparent about the controversy and intends to clear his name before a competent court.
“I acknowledge the role I have played in this situation and I am actively working to move past it,” he said. “Encouraging an out-of-court settlement will give credence to their usual postulation that I am being influenced to pursue this case because they feel that I am not a man of my own convictions, which is untrue.”
The dispute between Tunde Ayeni and Adaobi Alagwu became public after reports claimed they had reunited.
The businessman denied the reports, stating that although he previously had an affair with Alagwu, he would not revisit the relationship.
Alagwu is said to have asked him to admit paternity of her child.
Both parties are now preparing for the next stage of the legal process.
