Emeka Ugwuonye, the former lawyer representing May Edochie in her legal battle with Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, has publicly defended actress Judy Austin, asserting that she could not have destroyed a marriage that was already broken long before she entered the picture. In a video shared on Instagram on 9 July 2026, Ugwuonye detailed his involvement in the case and criticized the public backlash against Austin.
Background of the Legal Battle
Ugwuonye explained that when he took on May Edochie's case, it was clear that Yul Edochie had contracted a statutory marriage, which legally prevented him from taking a second wife without first divorcing May. Despite Yul's prominence as a household name with a strong public following, May was far less known at the time, making the media landscape challenging for her case. Ugwuonye noted that May's support base was thin compared to her husband's, but her situation eventually became a rallying point for women worldwide who felt wronged in their own relationships.
Ugwuonye's Defense of Judy Austin
According to Ugwuonye, Judy Austin was unfairly made the face of collective anger from women who saw their personal pain reflected in May's story. He stated, "Judy had no capacity to destroy any marriage. The marriage was long fractured before she came into the picture. The way May's mob was attacking her was pointless." The lawyer further claimed that May had not been interested in divorce until after the death of her son, which changed her priorities. "Now, May wants power and money," he alleged.
Reactions from the Public
The video drew sharp reactions online, with many questioning Ugwuonye's ethics and motives. @izzyaccessories1 wrote, "A lawyer coming out to spill confidential information. You are truly what they say you are." @comfortzone756 asked, "Which kind Lawyer be this???" @sabiigirlfashion observed, "Accusing her of seeking power & money but doing the exact thing via this podcast?" @marquez_ebuka commented, "They are trauma bonding with each other." @thenature00000 warned, "Avoid this lawyer, he will spill your secrets." @_mizkay_ wrote, "Go and tell the court this sir! She has sued! When you get to the court tell them this nonsense."
Related Developments
In a separate incident, Uche Maduagwu apologized to May Edochie over previous statements he made about her. He expressed regret for allowing Linc Edochie's ex, Yinka Theisen, to use his platform to discuss his fallout with May. Maduagwu exonerated himself, noting that Theisen never paid him for the platform.
