Ahead of the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, has issued a N20 billion defamation claim against Senator Adams Oshiomhole. Ighodalo’s legal team demands an immediate retraction of Oshiomhole’s comments and a public apology, threatening a lawsuit if these conditions are not met.
The controversy erupted after Oshiomhole, during a campaign rally in Benin City on September 14, 2024, alleged that Ighodalo was involved in a fraudulent Ponzi scheme, known as “Planwell,” which defrauded numerous Nigerians of their hard-earned money.
In response, Ighodalo, through his counsel, Ayo Asala, SAN, has categorically denied the allegations, describing them as “baseless, false, and malicious.” He further accused Oshiomhole of attempting to tarnish his reputation for political gain.
Ighodalo, a distinguished legal practitioner and corporate leader, emphasized that his track record is publicly available and devoid of any involvement in fraudulent activities. He also expressed concern about the damage the allegations have caused to his reputation, given the widespread exposure the false claims received on electronic and social media platforms.
The letter, dated September 16, 2024, demands that Oshiomhole publicly retract the statements and issue an apology across two national television networks and three national newspapers. It also demands that Oshiomhole pay N20 billion in damages for the defamatory remarks.
Ighodalo’s team has made it clear that if Oshiomhole fails to comply with these demands, legal action will be taken without further notice.
This lawsuit threat intensifies the already heated political atmosphere in Edo State as the governorship election approaches. Ighodalo’s legal challenge against Oshiomhole could play a significant role in shaping public perception ahead of the polls.
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