Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate from the recent Edo State governorship election, has initiated a defamation lawsuit against Jarret Tenebe, the acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, seeking ₦500 million in damages. The lawsuit was filed 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 dated December 10, 2024, where he accused Ighodalo of corruption and misappropriating state funds.
In the video, Tenebe stated, “Asue Ighodalo will not make such a mistake because he has stolen billions before,” referring to a gaffe made by Governor Monday Okpebholo during a budget presentation.
Prior to this lawsuit, Ighodalo's legal team sent a pre-action notice on December 11, 2024, demanding a retraction and public apology from Tenebe within seven days.
However, Tenebe's lawyer, Dr. Blessing Agbomhere, dismissed these claims, asserting that Tenebe did not defame Ighodalo and would rely on defenses related to reports from the Edo State Vehicle Recovery Committee that implicated Ighodalo.
In his suit, Ighodalo contends that the video was intended to harm his reputation and has led to significant distress and embarrassment due to inquiries from colleagues and business partners regarding the allegations. He is requesting the court to mandate Tenebe to issue an apology within seven days following the judgment.
The hearing for this case is scheduled for March 5, 2025.
