Jarret Tenebe, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, has been formally warned of potential legal action by Asue Ighodalo, the gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The warning, issued in a Letter Before Action from the legal firm Banwo & Ighodalo, accuses Tenebe of making defamatory statements in a widely circulated video.
The letter, which has been shared on social media by Anthony Ehilebo, a close ally of Ighodalo, demands a public retraction, a formal apology, and assurances against further defamatory remarks within seven days.
Jarret Tenebe done enter one chance sha! imagine Banwo and Ighodalo coming after you sha! pic.twitter.com/OQARI3AHRa
— Anthony Ehilebo (@AnthonyEhilebo) December 12, 2024
The legal warning stems from a video in which Tenebe is alleged to have said, “Obaseki will not make such a mistake because he has stolen billions before. Asue Ighodalo will not make such a mistake because he has stolen billions before.” Banwo & Ighodalo described the claims as baseless and damaging, emphasizing that they have caused significant harm to Ighodalo’s reputation and personal wellbeing.
Earlier this year, during an appearance on Arise TV, Tenebe sparked outrage by stating that Edo residents were “too poor to afford DSTV.” More recently, Tenebe allegedly threatened Pharez Okpere, PDP’s Campaign Council Director of New Media, in an online exchange. In response to Okpere’s criticism of Governor Monday Okpebholo, Tenebe reportedly said, “If I asked you to leave and you refused, you will be killed.” The threat has been widely condemned, prompting Okpere to petition the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Ighodalo, a renowned lawyer and corporate leader, has expressed concern over the damage caused by Tenebe’s remarks. The letter from his legal team demands that Tenebe publicly retract his statements and issue an unreserved apology. Failure to comply within seven days will result in the initiation of legal proceedings.
The defamation warning comes amid an already tense political climate in Edo State following the gubernatorial elections. Analysts view this legal action as a significant move to address the toxic rhetoric that has marred political discourse in the state.
As of now, Tenebe has not responded to the allegations or the demands outlined in the letter. However, the case underscores the escalating tensions in Edo State politics and the potential for legal actions to shape the narrative moving forward.
Find images of the letter below:
