Asue Ighodalo
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
By Jethro Ibileke
Dr. Asuerinme Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the upcoming Edo governorship election, has once again demanded ₦20 billion in damages from Senator Adams Oshiomhole over alleged defamatory statements made against him.
The remarks were reportedly made during a political campaign rally in Benin on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
The demand was issued in a letter from Ighodalo’s lawyer, Chief Ayo Asala (SAN), of Ayo Asala and Associates, dated September 16, 2024.
According to the letter, Oshiomhole accused Ighodalo of being involved in a Ponzi scheme known as ‘PLANWELL,’ in which many Nigerians were allegedly defrauded.
The letter, titled “Re: Defamatory Statements Made in Respect of Dr. Asue Ighodalo”, described Oshiomhole’s allegations as false, malicious, and politically motivated.
“It is sad to note that despite your status as an elder and holder of a public office, you appear to have developed a pattern of spewing false statements in the public domain purely for political gain,” the letter read.
Chief Asala stated that Oshiomhole’s accusations are unfounded and have no basis in fact. He emphasized that Ighodalo, a well-known legal practitioner and corporate leader, has no connection to the alleged ‘PLANWELL’ scheme.
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“This baseless, unfounded, false, and malicious allegation is yet another in a series of defamatory statements made by you against our client. Dr. Ighodalo has an impeccable reputation, and your claims are clearly fabricated to harm his image for political purposes,” Asala wrote.
The letter went on to detail the damage caused to Ighodalo’s reputation, citing a flood of inquiries from concerned members of the public, associates, and acquaintances as a result of Oshiomhole’s accusations.
In response to the alleged defamation, Ighodalo is demanding an immediate public retraction and apology from Oshiomhole.
The apology is to be published on at least two national television networks and in three nationally circulating newspapers. Additionally, he is seeking ₦20 billion in damages.
The letter warned that failure to comply with these demands would result in legal action.
This is not the first time Ighodalo has pursued legal action against Oshiomhole. Just a few weeks ago, Ighodalo filed a similar ₦20 billion lawsuit over other allegedly defamatory statements made by the senator.
Ighodalo has consistently maintained that he has no involvement with the ‘PLANWELL’ scheme, which his political opponents have attempted to link to him.