Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming Edo State governorship election, has given former governor and current senator, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, a seven-day ultimatum to retract alleged defamatory statements made against him during a national television appearance.
The ultimatum, issued on Friday, demands that Oshiomhole retracts his statements and tenders both public and private apologies, which must be published in two national newspapers, Vanguard and ThisDay.
The PDP gubernatorial candidate’s demands were communicated through a letter dated August 12, 2024, by his legal representatives, Ayo Asala (SAN) & Associates.
The letter referenced comments made by Oshiomhole during an interview on Arise News’ ‘Morning Show’, in which the former Labour leader allegedly made “wild and unsubstantiated claims” regarding Ighodalo’s candidacy.
Despite being cautioned by the show’s moderators, Oshiomhole reportedly continued to make derogatory remarks, which Ighodalo claims directly attacked his reputation and integrity.
The letter stated: “On or about 7th day of August 2024, our client’s attention was drawn to widely circulated statements made by you while being interviewed on a National Television Station, Arise News, during its Morning Show Program, touching and concerning our clients. These statements have also been widely circulated on various social media platforms including ‘X’ (formerly called Twitter), ‘WhatsApp’ and ‘Facebook’ and others.”
Ighodalo’s lawyers warned that failure to meet the demands would result in a N20 billion lawsuit for damages without further notice.
The legal threat adds another layer of tension to the already heated political atmosphere in Edo State as the September 21, 2024, governorship election approaches.