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Banwo & Ighodalo To Sue APC Chairman

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on December 19th, 2024.

Banwo & Ighodalo To Sue APC Chairman

Banwo & Ighodalo, a prominent Nigerian law firm, is initiating legal proceedings against Jarrett Tenebe, the acting chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, over defamatory statements made about its founding partner, Asue Ighodalo.

In a letter dated December 18, 2024, signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Abimbola Akeredolu, the firm condemned Tenebe’s allegations as “libelous, reckless, and unfounded.” This action follows Tenebe’s remarks during a December 17 interview on TMC TV/Radio, where he accused Ighodalo of “stealing 21 government vehicles” from the Edo State Government. Despite a prior demand for retraction and apology on December 11, Tenebe has not complied. The firm has now given him three days to withdraw his statements or face formal court proceedings.

The Team Asue Media Organisation (TAMO), represented by Erhabor Emokpae, refuted the allegations, describing them as a calculated smear campaign aimed at tarnishing Ighodalo’s reputation. TAMO clarified that Alaghodaro, which Ighodalo chaired, is a private-sector-led initiative focused on fostering economic growth and investments in Edo State. They emphasized Ighodalo’s integrity, noting that he has personally funded his expenses throughout his 16 years of public service, including his tenure as Chairman of Alaghodaro. The accusations regarding the theft of government vehicles were dismissed as baseless and unsupported by any evidence.

Banwo & Ighodalo reiterated its commitment to pursuing all legal remedies if the defamatory statements are not retracted within the stipulated timeframe. The firm emphasized that the weaponization of misinformation for political gain erodes public trust and damages democratic institutions, calling on all parties to uphold the principles of truth, integrity, and decency in public discourse.

In response, Tenebe has maintained his stance, asserting that he owes no apology to Ighodalo. His legal counsel, Blessing Agbomhere, stated that a report by the Edo State Vehicle Recovery Committee indicted Ighodalo, and therefore, there is no need for a public apology or retraction of comments made.

This development highlights the escalating tensions between political figures and legal entities in Edo State, underscoring the importance of responsible public discourse and the potential legal consequences of defamatory statements.