Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the upcoming Edo State elections, has initiated legal action against former governor Adams Oshiomhole over alleged defamatory remarks made during a recent television interview. The lawsuit, which seeks ₦20 billion in damages, stems from comments Oshiomhole made on Arise News, where he accused Ighodalo of manipulating the political process and being “unelectable.”
Background of the Dispute
The controversy erupted following Oshiomhole’s appearance on national television on August 7, 2024, where he allegedly made “wild and unsubstantiated claims” about Ighodalo’s candidacy. Despite being cautioned by the program’s moderators about the accuracy of his statements, Oshiomhole reportedly persisted in making derogatory remarks that Ighodalo claims directly attacked his reputation and integrity.
In a letter dated August 12, 2024, from his legal team, Ayo Asala (SAN) & Associates, Ighodalo demanded that Oshiomhole retract his statements and issue both private and public apologies within seven days. The letter specified that the retraction should be published on Arise News and in two national newspapers, specifically Vanguard and ThisDay.
Legal Action and Demands
Ighodalo’s legal team emphasised the seriousness of Oshiomhole’s comments, stating that they were intended to tarnish their client’s reputation. The letter warned that failure to comply with their demands would result in a ₦20 billion lawsuit for damages without further notice.
In response to the unfolding situation, Ighodalo received backing from various groups, including the Esan Professionals for Progress, which condemned Oshiomhole’s remarks as part of a broader trend of misinformation in Nigerian politics. The group praised Ighodalo for taking a stand against character assassination and called for accountability in political discourse.
Political Context
The legal dispute occurs against the backdrop of the upcoming Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024. Ighodalo is vying to succeed current Governor Godwin Obaseki, while Oshiomhole is a key figure in the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). The election is expected to be highly competitive, with both parties keen to secure victory.
Oshiomhole’s criticisms of Ighodalo have been met with pushback from the PDP, which has accused him of spreading falsehoods and attempting to undermine Ighodalo’s candidacy. The PDP has also raised concerns about alleged harassment and intimidation of its members by rogue police officers believed to be affiliated with the APC.
With tensions rising between the PDP and APC factions in Edo State, all eyes will be on how this lawsuit develops and its potential impact on the electoral landscape.
By Joseph Johnston
Youth Editor,
Egogonews Hub
