Ighodalo Slams N500m Defamation Suit On Edo APC Chairman
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The PDP candidate in the last Edo State Governorship Election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has filed a ₦500 million defamation lawsuit against the acting Chairman of Edo APC, Jarret Tenebe.
The suit, filed at the Lagos State High Court, seeks damages, a retraction, and a public apology from Tenebe.
Ighodalo’s legal team claims that Tenebe’s statement in a viral video, accusing him of corruption, was defamatory.
The video, posted on December 10, 2024, shows Tenebe saying, “Asue Ighodalo will not make such a mistake because he has stolen billions before.”
This remark was in response to a blunder by Governor Monday Okpebholo during a budget presentation to the Edo State House of Assembly.
Before going to court, Ighodalo sent a pre-action notice on December 11, demanding an apology within seven days.
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However, Tenebe’s lawyer, Dr. Blessing Agbomhere, denied the defamation claims, stating, “We further want to state unequivocally that our client did not defame your client in any way, and as such, there is no need for a public apology or retraction of comments made in the alleged video.
“But if your client decides to stretch this issue further by going to court, we will rely on the defence of justification in accordance with the report of the Edo State Vehicle Recovery Committee, whose report indicted your client and the preliminary report of the Edo State Asset Verification Committee.”
Ighodalo’s lawyers argue that the video was intended to damage his reputation, causing public ridicule.
Since the release of the video, Ighodalo has received numerous inquiries from colleagues, business partners, and other stakeholders questioning the allegations.
This has caused him significant distress, embarrassment, and humiliation.
“Undoubtedly, this development has exposed our Client to great distress, hurt, and humiliation,” the letter from Ighodalo’s lawyers stated.
Ighodalo is asking the court to compel Tenebe to issue a public apology within seven days of the judgment.
The hearing has been set for March 5, 2025.
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Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.