Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, is seeking N25 billion in damages from the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, over allegations of defamation and libel. According to reports, Governor Okpebholo has also demanded a public apology to be published in three national newspapers. The demands were made in a letter dated December 22, 2025, and signed by the governor’s lawyer, R.I.D Okezie.

The letter, titled “Demand for damages and apologies for defamation of the character of the executive governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” claims that Dr Aziegbemi made disparaging remarks about the governor in a press release on January 7, 2025. The press release was reportedly published by several Nigerian newspapers and online news organizations.

In the letter, Governor Okpebholo’s lawyer states that the press release contained words that ridiculed and disparaged the governor’s reputation and character, which he has built over the years as a responsible politician. The lawyer asserts that the governor’s attention was recently drawn to the press release, and he is now seeking redress for the alleged defamation.

The governor has given Dr Aziegbemi a seven-day ultimatum to pay the N25 billion damages and publish a retraction in three national dailies. If the demands are not met, it is likely that the matter will proceed to court. The development is the latest in a series of exchanges between the governor and the PDP state chairman, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two parties in Edo State.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Dr Aziegbemi will respond to the governor’s demands. The alleged defamation is reported to have occurred in a press release, which is a public statement, and the governor’s lawyer claims that it has caused damage to his client’s reputation. The case has significant implications for freedom of speech and the limits of political discourse in Nigeria.