In a significant development arising from the recent Edo State governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has filed a defamation lawsuit amounting to ₦500 million against Jarret Tenebe, the acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State. The case has been lodged at the Lagos State High Court located at Tafawa Balewa Square.
Ighodalo’s legal action stems from remarks made by Tenebe in a viral video released on December 10, 2024, in which he accused Ighodalo of engaging in corruption and misappropriating state funds. Tenebe’s statement claimed: “Asue Ighodalo will not make such a mistake because he has stolen billions before,” and was reportedly in response to a misstep by Governor Monday Okpebholo during his presentation of a ₦605 billion budget to the Edo State House of Assembly.
Prior to initiating the lawsuit, Ighodalo, acting through the Banwo and Ighodalo law firm, sent a pre-action notice on December 11, 2024, demanding that Tenebe publicly retract his statements and issue an apology within a week. However, Tenebe, represented by his attorney Dr. Blessing Agbomhere, refuted the defamation claims, indicating a refusal to comply with the demands.
Agbomhere stated, “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. However, should your client decide to proceed further in court, we will present the defense of justification, in line with the report from the Edo State Vehicle Recovery Committee, which implicated your client, along with the preliminary findings from the Edo State Asset Verification Committee.”
In his lawsuit, Ighodalo asserts that Tenebe’s comments were specifically crafted to undermine his reputation and instigate public mockery. He has noted an uptick in inquiries from peers and business associates regarding the allegations, resulting in considerable distress and embarrassment for him.
Ighodalo’s legal representation expressed in their letter: “Undoubtedly, this development has exposed our client to great distress, hurt, and humiliation.”
Ighodalo is seeking a court mandate for Tenebe to issue a formal apology within seven days following the court’s decision. The case is set to be heard by Justice A.O. Opesanwo on March 5, 2025.
