Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has initiated a major legal confrontation against the state's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi. The governor is demanding a staggering twenty-five billion naira (₦25,000,000,000) in damages over statements he claims have severely defamed his character.
Seven-Day Ultimatum and Public Apology
Through his legal counsel, Ray Okezie, Governor Okpebholo issued a formal letter dated December 22, 2025, giving Dr. Aziegbemi a strict seven-day deadline to comply with his demands. The letter, titled 'Demand for Damages and Apologies for Defamation of the Character of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo,' outlines the governor's grievances.
The core of the dispute stems from a press statement allegedly released by the PDP Chairman on December 7, 2025. In that statement, Aziegbemi is accused of portraying Governor Okpebholo in a highly negative light. The governor's legal team asserts that the PDP chairman depicted him as "an unintelligent, dishonest and lawless person." Furthermore, the statement allegedly accused the governor of employing thugs and non-state actors to perform official duties.
Strict Legal Demands and Potential Consequences
The demands from the governor's camp are twofold and non-negotiable. First, Dr. Aziegbemi is required to pay the ₦25 billion compensation sum within seven clear days from the receipt of the letter. Second, he must publish a full retraction and public apology in three national newspapers within the same timeframe. The mandated publications must include The Guardian and Vanguard newspapers.
The letter from Ray Okezie leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the consequences of non-compliance. It clearly states that failure to meet these demands will result in immediate legal action. "The governor’s counsel threatened to proceed with legal action in any Nigerian court should the PDP State Chairman fail to comply with the demands," the letter emphasized.
Implications for Edo State Political Landscape
This legal action marks a significant escalation in the political tensions between the ruling party and the main opposition in Edo State. A defamation suit of this magnitude, involving the state's highest office and the opposition party chairman, is unprecedented and is likely to dominate the political discourse in the coming weeks. All eyes will be on Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi's response as the seven-day ultimatum ticks down, determining whether this matter will be settled out of court or proceed to a lengthy legal battle.
