Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, has filed a N20 billion defamatory lawsuit against Senator Adams Oshiomhole. This legal action follows comments made by Oshiomhole on September 14, 2024, during a political rally in Benin City, where he alleged that Ighodalo was behind the fraudulent Planwell scheme that defrauded many Nigerians.
Ighodalo, represented by his counsel, Ayo Asala, SAN, & Associates, is demanding an immediate retraction and apology from Oshiomhole. The apology must be published on at least two national television networks and in three widely circulated newspapers. Ighodalo’s legal team has described Oshiomhole’s claims as “baseless, false, and malicious,” intended to tarnish Ighodalo’s reputation for political gain.
The letter, dated September 16, 2024, and addressed to Oshiomhole, states: “At a campaign rally on September 14, 2024, you falsely claimed that our client, Dr. Ighodalo, was involved in the alleged ‘Planwell’ pyramid scheme. This defamatory statement was broadcast live and widely disseminated on social media.”
The letter continues, emphasizing that Ighodalo has no connection to the Planwell scheme and that the allegations are fabricated. It argues that the false claims are intended to damage Ighodalo’s reputation and benefit Oshiomhole and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming election.
Ighodalo’s counsel notes that the defamatory statements have caused significant reputational damage, prompting numerous concerned contacts from the public. The PDP candidate is determined to challenge these defamatory lies and seeks justice for the harm caused.