Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the September 21 gubernatorial election in Edo State, has filed a N20 billion defamation lawsuit against Senator Adams Oshiomhole over remarks related to the Planwell scheme.
Through his legal team, led by Ayo Asala (SAN) & Associates, Ighodalo is also demanding an immediate retraction and an unqualified apology for the false, defamatory, and malicious comments. The apology must be published on at least two national television networks and in three nationally circulated newspapers.
Ighodalo condemned Oshiomhole’s allegations as baseless and false, describing them as part of a pattern of defamatory fabrications aimed at damaging his character. He claimed that Oshiomhole’s remarks were politically motivated, intended to bolster the dwindling support for Oshiomhole’s party and its candidate in the upcoming Edo gubernatorial election.
In a letter dated September 16, 2024, Ighodalo’s lawyers outlined their demands, noting that Oshiomhole made false claims at a campaign rally on September 14, accusing Ighodalo of involvement in the Planwell pyramid scheme, which defrauded numerous Nigerians. The statements were broadcast on live television and widely shared on electronic and social media.
The letter emphasized that Ighodalo, a respected legal practitioner and corporate leader, has no ties to the Planwell scheme. The false claims, it stated, were a deliberate attempt to tarnish Ighodalo’s reputation for political gain.
Ighodalo further explained that the defamatory statements have caused significant damage to his reputation, as concerned members of the public have reached out to him in response to the false allegations.
In addition to the retraction and apology, Ighodalo is seeking N20 billion in damages. His legal team has warned that legal action will be taken without further notice if Oshiomhole does not comply with the demands.