As the governorship election in Edo State approaches, tensions have risen between two prominent political figures. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, has issued a stern warning to former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, following comments made by Oshiomhole during a televised interview.
In an interview with Arise News on their Morning Show, Oshiomhole labeled Ighodalo “unelectable” and claimed that he lacked the qualities necessary to lead Edo State. He also mentioned that Ighodalo could not effectively communicate in the local language, a remark seen as an attack on Ighodalo’s ability to connect with the Edo people.
These comments were not only aired on national television but were also widely shared across social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, and Facebook.
Ighodalo, through his legal team, Ayo Asala (SAN) & Associates, responded by sending Oshiomhole a letter dated August 12, 2024. The letter accuses Oshiomhole of making “malicious and defamatory statements,” and Ighodalo demanded a public and private apology within seven days. The apologies are to be published in two national newspapers—Vanguard and ThisDay.
The letter also threatens legal action should Oshiomhole fail to meet the demands. Ighodalo is prepared to sue Oshiomhole for ₦20 billion in damages for the harm caused to his reputation and integrity.
The letter read in part: “On or about 7th day of August 2024, our client’s attention was drawn to widely circulated statements made by you while being interviewed on a National Television Station, Arise News, during its Morning Show Program, touching and concerning our clients. These statements have also been widely circulated on various social media platforms including ‘X’ (formally called Twitter), ‘WhatsApp’ and ‘Facebook’ and others.”
