Roby Ekpo has announced plans to petition U.S. authorities against his ex-wife, Mayowa Lambe, over allegations of marriage fraud, escalating an already tense legal dispute between the former couple.

The controversy follows reports that Mayowa recently remarried in the United States without what Ekpo claims was an official dissolution of their marriage. Speaking in a viral interview, Ekpo expressed shock at the development and insisted that they are still legally married. He also detailed how he had supported her in the past, including reportedly funding her travel.

In response, Mayowa, through her legal representatives, issued a cease-and-desist notice, giving Ekpo 48 hours to retract his statements, apologize, and pay ₦100 million in damages for alleged defamation. Her legal team maintains that the marriage had already been “mutually terminated” in May 2025.

Ekpo has rejected the demands, describing them as “excessive, unfounded, and premature.” Through his lawyers at Tap Legal Services, he argued that his statements were based on personal experience and not made with malicious intent.

The media personality has further indicated his readiness to present evidence to U.S. authorities, including the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, as part of a formal petition.

Opinion: When Personal Disputes Become Legal Warfare

This case shows how quickly private relationships can escalate into complex legal and international issues.

At its core, this is a dispute over marital status and personal claims—but once it crosses into allegations of fraud and involves foreign authorities, the stakes become significantly higher. Both sides appear determined to defend their positions, turning what might have been a private disagreement into a public and legal battle.

There’s also a broader lesson here about clarity in legal relationships. Issues like divorce, separation, and remarriage carry serious legal implications, especially when they span multiple jurisdictions like Nigeria and the United States.

At the same time, the public nature of the dispute raises questions about reputation. Once accusations are made openly, even before a court decision, the damage—whether justified or not—can be difficult to reverse.

Ultimately, the outcome will depend on evidence, not public opinion. But beyond the legal verdict, this situation is a reminder that unresolved personal matters, when left unclear, can evolve into far-reaching conflicts.