The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the September 21 Edo State election, Asue Ighodalo, has initiated a N20 billion defamation suit against Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of the state and prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The lawsuit is in response to allegations made by Oshiomhole during a campaign rally on September 14, 2024, accusing Ighodalo of being involved in the Planwell pyramid scheme, a notorious scam that defrauded numerous Nigerians of their hard-earned money.
In a statement released on Monday, Ighodalo, through his legal team Ayo Asala & Associates, rejected Oshiomhole’s accusations, labeling them as false, malicious, and a calculated attempt to tarnish his reputation ahead of the gubernatorial election. The PDP candidate emphasized that Oshiomhole’s claims were completely baseless and fabricated for the sole purpose of undermining his political standing.
Ighodalo demanded an immediate and unqualified retraction of the defamatory remarks, as well as a public apology from Oshiomhole. The retraction and apology must be broadcast on at least two national television networks and published in three national newspapers. The defamation suit also seeks N20 billion in damages for the reputational harm caused by Oshiomhole’s statements.
The PDP candidate described Oshiomhole’s comments as part of a wider pattern of false statements and defamatory fabrications aimed at boosting the flagging fortunes of the APC and its candidate in the upcoming Edo election. He emphasized that despite Oshiomhole’s status as a public figure, the senator has shown a tendency to make unfounded statements for political gain.
Letter From Ighodalo’s legal counsel
A letter from Ighodalo’s legal counsel, dated September 16, 2024, stated: “It is clear that the fabrication of the unfounded and false story regarding our client’s involvement in the Planwell scheme is a figment of your imagination. Your statements were made purely to denigrate our client’s good character and reputation.”
The letter also highlighted the significant damage Oshiomhole’s remarks had caused, with Ighodalo being inundated with calls from concerned members of the public. According to his legal team, the allegations had resulted in enormous and unwarranted reputational harm, which Ighodalo is determined to address.
In conclusion, Ighodalo’s legal team demanded that Oshiomhole immediately retract the false statements and issue a public apology, failing which legal proceedings for damages totaling N20 billion would be initiated against him.
Stay tuned to 9am News Nigeria for more Breaking News, Finance News, Sports updates And Entertainment Gists.
