Edo State Governorship Election: PDP Candidate Sues Senator Oshiomhole for N20 Billion Over Defamatory Comments
Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, has filed a N20 billion defamatory suit against Senator Adams Oshiomhole over comments made about the PLANWELL scheme.
Ighodalo, through his counsel, Ayo Asala (SAN) & Associates, is seeking an immediate and unqualified retraction and apology for the false, defamatory, and malicious comments, which should be published in at least two National Television Networks and three nationally circulating newspapers.
The PDP candidate described the allegations made by Oshiomhole as baseless, false, and malicious, saying they are another in a long line of defamatory fabrications and statements made by the Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District in the recent past.
Ighodalo’s lawyers stated in a letter dated September 16, 2024, that Oshiomhole made the statements during a campaign rally on September 14, 2024, claiming that Ighodalo was associated with or participated in an alleged pyramid scheme known as PLANWELL, which defrauded numerous Nigerians of their hard-earned funds.
The letter noted that the false and unfounded statement was broadcast live on television and has received extensive exposure on electronic and social media, adding that Oshiomhole’s actions are a pattern of spewing false statements in the public domain for political purposes.
Ighodalo’s lawyers are demanding damages of N20 billion for Oshiomhole’s false, defamatory, and malicious statements, which they say have caused enormous reputational damage to their client.
The PDP candidate is determined to ensure that the allegations against him do not go unaddressed, stating that he has been inundated with calls and other contacts from concerned members of the public who heard Oshiomhole’s allegations on electronic and social media.
Ighodalo’s lawyers have instructed him to institute appropriate proceedings against Oshiomhole for damages in the sum of N20 billion if the demands are not met.
