May Edochie’s legal counsel, Emeka Ugwuonye, has broken his silence on the nature of her relationship with estranged husband, Yul Edochie, clarifying that both parties are actively engaged in a legal co-parenting arrangement, regardless of their personal rift. This revelation comes amid heavy online speculation over the couple’s post-separation dynamics and Judy Austin’s controversial presence in Yul’s life.
Ugwuonye disclosed in a post on Instagram on July 14 that under Nigerian family law, co-parenting is not an option but a legal duty once two individuals have children together. He emphasized that the success of such an arrangement hinges on consistent communication and shared responsibility—qualities that May and Yul are currently demonstrating, especially as it relates to their children’s welfare.
According to the lawyer, Yul Edochie is fully involved in the children’s lives, contributing to school fees and maintaining regular, unrestricted access to them. He urged the public to stop interpreting this cooperation as reconciliation, stressing that co-parenting does not equate to marital reconciliation, but is mandated by law in the best interest of the children involved.
Ugwuonye criticized fans and social media commentators for spreading misinformation, suggesting that ignorance about legal family arrangements is fueling unwarranted hostility. “They have no other choice,” he wrote, “This is not a matter of opinion—it’s the law.”
Addressing rumors surrounding Judy Austin, the lawyer stated categorically that she has no legal relationship with May and Yul’s children at this time. He added that unless she formally marries Yul Edochie, she cannot be considered a stepmother in the eyes of the law.
The clarification puts to rest the rising tension between supporters of May Edochie and critics of Judy Austin, many of whom had wrongly assumed that Judy was legally integrated into the children’s lives. The lawyer made it clear that the dynamics of co-parenting are strictly between the biological parents unless a court or new marital arrangement alters the status.
Ugwuonye concluded that public sentiment has no bearing on family law. “Whether the public likes it or not, the law will continue to guide co-parenting obligations. Emotional takes don’t override legal facts,” he affirmed, urging fans to respect legal boundaries and allow the family to focus on raising their children.
