Adeleke campaign spokesman threatens N10bn suit against Fadahunsi over alleged defamation
Campaign spokesman for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has threatened to institute a ₦10 billion suit against the lawmaker representing Osun East Senatorial District, Francis Fadahunsi, for defamation and injurious falsehood.
In a letter dated 12 August 2026 and addressed to the senator by Olajengbesi’s lawyer, Hammed Lasisi, the spokesman described statements made by Fadahunsi during live television interviews on Viable TV on 2 July 2026 and Channels Television’s Politics Today on 11 August 2026 as malicious and injurious to his reputation. He demanded an immediate retraction and an unequivocal public apology within 24 hours, failing which legal proceedings would begin.
According to the letter, Fadahunsi stated on Viable TV that Olajengbesi was “not even from the same Ijebu-Jesha” and was “from somewhere in Ogun State,” and further accused him of “using thugs, Eiye and Aye.” On Channels Television he allegedly linked the late Ajayi Aderogba (Rogba) to sponsorship by Olajengbesi and described the deceased as an Eiye man used to terrorise territory through Eiye and Aye groups.
Olajengbesi denied the claims, stating that he has never sponsored, financed, supported or provided resources to any cult group or its members for criminal, political or other unlawful activities. He said the allegation of sponsoring cultists and persons engaged in acts of terror is particularly serious because it imputes criminality incompatible with his standing as a legal practitioner, public figure and candidate for elective office.
The letter requires Fadahunsi to retract the statements through the same media and platforms on which they were published and to issue an unreserved public apology through national and social media. Failure to comply within 24 hours would lead to a claim for ₦10 billion in general and aggravated damages.
The dispute forms part of the heightened rhetoric surrounding the Osun governorship contest. Public accusations linking political actors to cult groups carry both reputational and legal weight. Whether the threatened suit proceeds will depend on whether the demanded retraction and apology are issued within the stated timeframe.
