Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2024 Edo State election, has threatened to sue Jarrett Tenebe, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo, over alleged defamation.
In a letter issued by the legal firm Banwo & Ighodalo, Ighodalo accused Tenebe of making false and damaging statements against him in a widely circulated video.
The controversy stems from remarks made by Tenebe in response to a gaffe by Governor Monday Okpebholo during the presentation of the 2025 state budget to the Edo State House of Assembly. Okpebholo struggled to read the budget figure, stating that it was confusing him, which led to laughter in the chamber and a viral social media reaction.
In his video, Tenebe claimed that Ighodalo and Governor Godwin Obaseki would not have made such a mistake because they had previously stolen billions of naira.
Ighodalo, in his legal response, demanded that Tenebe retract the statements within seven days, issue a public apology, and promise not to make any further defamatory comments. If Tenebe fails to comply, Ighodalo has vowed to pursue legal action.
