Ighodalo threatens to sue Edo APC chairman over ‘defamation’

Asue Ighodalo, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in September’s governorship election in Edo, has given an ultimatum to Jarrett Tenebe, acting chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, a three-day ultimatum to withdraw “defamatory comments”.

In a letter dated December 18 and addressed to Tenebe, Abimbola Akeredolu, a lawyer at Banwo & Ighodalo, a firm founded by Ighodalo, said Tenebe has continued with his claims despite a letter asking him to retract them.

In an interview, the acting Edo APC chairman said the PDP candidate stole vehicles from the state government.

Akeredolu, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said they would pursue all legal remedies if the defamatory statements are not retracted within the stipulated timeframe.

“[The accusations are] libelous, reckless, and unfounded,” the SAN said.

A separate statement by the Team Asue Media Organisation (TAMO) said the claims are a calculated attempt to tarnish Ighodalo’s reputation.

Erhabor Emokpae, TAMO’s chair, said the allegations by Ighodalo are baseless and that Alaghodaro, a private-sector-led initiative which he led focused on fostering economic growth and investments in Edo.

However, Tenebe has insisted that his claims are true.

Blessing Agbomhere, his lawyer, said a report by the Edo state vehicle recovery committee indicted Ighodalo.

“We further want to state unequivocally that our client did not defame your client in anyway and as such, there is no need for a public apology or retraction of comments made in the alleged video,” he said.