Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo is seeking N25 billion in damages from Peoples Democratic Party state chairman Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi over alleged defamation and libel. In a letter dated 22 December 2025, signed by the governor’s lawyer R.I.D. Okezie, Okpebholo also demanded a public apology to be published in three national newspapers.
The letter, titled “Demand for damages and apologies for defamation of the character of the executive governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” asserts that Dr. Aziegbemi made disparaging remarks about the governor in a press release issued on 7 January 2025. That release was reportedly circulated by several Nigerian newspapers and online news outlets. According to the lawyer, the statements ridiculed and disparaged the governor’s reputation and character, which he has built over years as a responsible politician.
Governor Okpebholo’s counsel states that the governor was recently made aware of the press release and is now seeking redress for the alleged defamation. The governor has given Dr. Aziegbemi a seven‑day ultimatum to pay the N25 billion in damages and publish a retraction in three national dailies. Failure to comply is expected to lead to court proceedings.
This development is the latest in a series of exchanges between the governor and the PDP state chairman, underscoring ongoing tensions between the two parties in Edo State. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Dr. Aziegbemi will respond. The alleged defamation, made through a public press release, is claimed to have damaged the governor’s reputation, raising significant questions about freedom of speech and the limits of political discourse in Nigeria.
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