In a surprising turn of events, lawyer Emeka Ugwuonye has stepped down from representing actress and entrepreneur May Edochie in her ongoing marital battle with Nollywood actor Yul Edochie.

The legal practitioner shared the news in a strongly worded statement via his law firm, Due Process Advocates (DPA), citing relentless harassment from May's own fans, popularly known as May Nation. R

What began as a legal alliance aiming to seek justice for May in the fallout of her high-profile marriage breakdown has now ended amid growing tension and cyberbullying from those meant to support her.

In his statement, Ugwuonye didn’t mince words: “The persistent bullying and trolling originating from Queen May's presumed supporters present a severe operational and ethical challenge for DPA and our staff.”

The lawyer said that the environment created by some of her fans was not only hostile but made it impossible to continue effective representation.

He admitted that his staff had suffered abuse from May’s camp, worse than what they had experienced from Yul Edochie’s supporters.

Though Ugwuonye reaffirmed that the genesis of May’s troubles came from Yul and his alleged partner Judy, he stressed that the aggressive online behavior of May’s followers had made things worse.

He wrote: “Queen May's inability to meaningfully influence this increasingly toxic faction among her supporters is incompatible with the level of investment required for our representation"

The lawyer, however, was careful to separate May from the drama, describing her as “a remarkable individual” and reiterating that she remains a victim of betrayal and forced polygamy.

He also made it clear that DPA will cooperate fully with May’s next legal team.

While withdrawing from the case, Ugwuonye made it known that DPA will not go quietly. The firm is set to pursue legal action against a prominent online troll from May’s camp, who operates under the name “Judy Obasiyul Autism.” The identity of this user is still under investigation.

Legit.ng compiled reactions of netizens below:

@ndidiamaka_real: “This is why it's important for celebrities to control their fanbase. Now May has lost a solid lawyer.”

@koded_truth: “The man was fighting for her, yet they bullied him out. People really don't know who their enemies are.”

@ucheclassic: “May Nation needs to take responsibility for this. This isn’t how to support someone you claim to love.”

@iamtundeofficial: “May is suffering from Yul’s betrayal and now her own fans too? This woman needs prayers.

@bellz_theblogger: “How can supporters be worse than oppressors? The lawyer saw hell from both sides. Na wa!”