Ighodalo Threatens Defamation Suit Against Edo APC Chairman Over Allegations
Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, has threatened to sue Jarrett Tenebe, the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), over allegations of defamation.
In a letter issued through the legal firm Banwo & Ighodalo, Ighodalo demanded a retraction, public apology, and assurances of no further defamatory comments from Tenebe within seven days. The threat stems from a video in which Tenebe accused Ighodalo of embezzling billions, a claim the PDP candidate described as false and damaging.
The controversy emerged following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s struggle to articulate the total budget estimate during the presentation of the 2025 budget to the state assembly. The governor’s gaffe, where he admitted, “Sorry, it’s confusing me,” quickly became a viral moment on social media, sparking widespread discussion.
Reacting to the incident, Tenebe claimed in the video, “Obaseki will not make such a mistake because he has stolen billions before. Asue Ighodalo will not make such a mistake because he has stolen billions before…”
The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Ighodalo, who maintains they are baseless and defamatory. He insists the statements were made to damage his reputation ahead of the upcoming elections.
This isn’t Tenebe’s first foray into controversy. Earlier this year, during an appearance on Arise TV, he faced backlash for describing Edo citizens as “too poor to afford DSTV.” More recently, he threatened Pharez Okpere, the PDP Campaign Council’s Director of New Media, during an online spat. Tenebe’s comment, “If I asked you to leave and you refused, you will be killed,” prompted Okpere to file petitions with the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), citing threats to his life.
Tenebe’s allegations and statements have continued to generate widespread condemnation, with many calling for restraint and civility in Edo’s political discourse. Meanwhile, Ighodalo has reiterated his commitment to pursuing legal redress if Tenebe fails to meet his demands within the stipulated timeframe.
