Emeka Ugwuonye ends legal support for May Edochie, citing abuse from her fanbase ‘May Nation’ and calling the environment too toxic for continued representation

Emeka Ugwuonye, the lawyer representing May Edochie in her publicised marital dispute with Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, has withdrawn from the case.

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In a statement issued by his law firm, Due Process Advocate (DPA), the legal practitioner cited sustained harassment from May’s fanbase, widely known as ‘May Nation,’ as the reason for his abrupt departure.

Ugwuonye explained that what began as a mission to secure justice for a woman wronged by betrayal and forced polygamy became clouded by hostility and toxic behaviour from her own supporters.

“The environment created by a section of her fans made it impossible to proceed,” the firm stated. “My staff suffered more abuse from May’s fans than we did from Yul Edochie’s camp.”

The lawyer detailed how the abuse, mostly online, escalated to a point where his team could no longer operate effectively.

He also suggested that May Edochie was unable or unwilling to curb the aggressive conduct of her supporters, a situation he deemed incompatible with the demands of a high-profile legal case.

“The hostile environment fostered by certain individuals within the ‘May Nation’ group made it untenable for us to continue effective representation,” the statement continued.

Despite ending his legal services, Ugwuonye had kind words for his former client. “Queen May remains a remarkable woman. She is a victim of betrayal, polygamy, and emotional harm. However, the conduct of her online supporters severely hindered the effectiveness of our work.”

DPA, known for advocating justice in human rights and family matters, promised full cooperation with any new legal team May Edochie appoints.

But the environment became so toxic that it undermined the purpose for which we got involved in the first place.

“DPA will work cooperatively with Queen May and her team to transition our work to any successor representatives she designates,” the firm added.

This development comes after months of public attention on the Edochie family.

The couple’s marital challenges became a major talking point when Yul Edochie took a second wife, actress Judy Austin, without May’s prior knowledge or consent.

The announcement sparked a widespread debate on polygamy, betrayal, and gender equity within marriage.

Emeka Ugwuonye had taken up May’s case with a strong social justice narrative, rallying public support and committing resources to her cause.

However, it appears that internal conflicts within her supporter base made that task increasingly difficult.

“DPA’s commitment was never in doubt,” Ugwuonye noted. “But the environment became so toxic that it undermined the purpose for which we got involved in the first place.”

A supporter close to the matter, speaking anonymously, said, “It’s sad that people who were trying to help May ended up being targets themselves. Some fans crossed the line.”

This decision by Ugwuonye has sparked fresh discussion about the role of online fandoms in real-life legal matters, and the potential harm when advocacy turns aggressive.

As May Edochie seeks new legal representation, her supporters are expected to reflect on the impact of their actions on those working behind the scenes.

“Support must be respectful,” said a legal observer. “Otherwise, you risk sabotaging the very cause you claim to defend.”

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In the words of Emeka Ugwuonye, “Queen May deserves justice, and we hope she gets it — but not at the cost of civility and professionalism.”