Edo APC Chairman Jarret Tenebe Served Defamation Warning By Asue Ighodalo

Jarrett Tenebe, chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, has been formally warned of impending legal action by Asue Ighodalo, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, over allegations of defamation. The Letter Before Action, dispatched by the legal firm Banwo & Ighodalo, accuses Tenebe of making false and damaging statements in a widely circulated video and demands a public retraction.

According to the letter, Tenebe claimed in the video: “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.” The letter describes these remarks as baseless and defamatory, insisting that Tenebe must, within seven days, issue a full retraction, a public apology, and assurances that no further defamatory comments will be made.

This warning adds to Tenebe’s growing list of controversial statements. During a widely criticized Arise TV appearance earlier this year, Tenebe disparaged Edo citizens, claiming they were “too poor to afford DSTV.” In October, he escalated tensions by instructing APC supporters outside the Edo INEC office to destroy vehicles belonging to opposition parties if they violated the time restrictions he had imposed for the inspection of election materials.

Most recently, Tenebe threatened PDP’s Campaign Council Director of New Media, Pharez Okpere, during a heated online exchange. In response to Okpere’s criticism of Governor Okpebholo, Tenebe wrote: “If I asked you to leave and you refused, you will be killed.” This statement has drawn widespread condemnation and intensified concerns over political violence in Edo State. Mr. Okpere has petitioned the Police and the DSS over the shocking threat to his life.

The defamation warning from Ighodalo comes amid a highly contentious post-election atmosphere. The PDP flag bearer, known for his distinguished career as a lawyer and corporate leader, emphasized in the letter that Tenebe’s baseless allegations have caused significant reputational harm and personal distress.

While Tenebe has yet to respond, analysts see this defamation warning as a pivotal step in addressing the toxic rhetoric overshadowing Edo politics. If he fails to retract his statements and issue a public apology within seven days, Banwo & Ighodalo has made it clear that legal proceedings will follow.