Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has demanded ₦25 billion in damages from the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, over alleged defamation of character and libel.
The governor also insisted on a public apology from the PDP chairman, to be published in three national daily newspapers.
The demands were conveyed in a letter dated December 22, 2025, and signed by Okpebholo’s lawyer, R.I.D. Okezie, Esq. The letter was addressed directly to Dr Aziegbemi.
Titled “Demand for damages and apologies for defamation of the character of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” the letter accused the PDP chairman of making damaging and false statements against the governor.
According to the letter, Dr Aziegbemi has been given a seven-day ultimatum to pay the ₦25 billion damages and publish a retraction and apology in three national dailies or face further legal action.
Parts of the letter stated that the governor’s attention was drawn to a press release issued by Aziegbemi on January 7, 2025, in his capacity as factional chairman of the Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee. The release, according to the governor’s legal team, was widely circulated in national newspapers and online platforms.
The letter alleged that the publication repeatedly disparaged Governor Okpebholo’s reputation and the integrity of his office, adding that the statements were intended to ridicule and undermine his image.
“Our client’s attention has recently been drawn to a press release by you… wherein you repeatedly disparaged the reputation and character of our client and the high office he occupies in this state,” the letter read in part.
It further noted that the alleged defamatory statements were particularly damaging, considering the governor’s political career and public service record, which dates back to his tenure as a senator in the National Assembly.
As of the time of filing this report, Dr Aziegbemi and the Edo State PDP had not issued an official response to the governor’s demands.
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