The Edo State Government has demanded a public apology from Mr. Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor. He is a former commissioner under ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki. The government claims Ifaluyi-Isibor made defamatory comments about Governor Monday Okpebholo on social media. Attorney General Dr. Samson Osagie issued a warning and a 24-hour ultimatum, threatening legal action if the demands are not met.
Allegations and Government Response
The controversy began with a social media post allegedly made by Ifaluyi-Isibor on June 6, 2025. The Edo State Government argues that the post contains baseless and malicious claims aimed at discrediting Governor Okpebholo and his cabinet. Reports indicate that the post claimed the administration had only held three Executive Council meetings in eight months. Additionally, it accused the Governor of spending most of his time in Abuja while manipulating contract awards. The post also suggested that state funds were withheld to influence an impending Supreme Court judgment related to contracts awarded by the previous administration.
Dr. Osagie refuted these claims and asserted that the Okpebholo administration has held several Executive Council meetings. These meetings led to significant initiatives, including ongoing flyover projects in Benin City. He characterized Ifaluyi-Isibor’s allegations as “completely false” and accused him of criminal defamation.
Demands and Potential Legal Action
In a letter dated June 8, 2025, the Edo State Government demanded that Ifaluyi-Isibor issue a public retraction and apology within 24 hours. The government insists that the apology should appear on all of Ifaluyi-Isibor’s social media platforms and in at least one national newspaper.
Dr. Osagie warned that failure to comply with these demands would lead to civil and criminal legal action. “This publication amounts to criminal defamation,” the letter stated. “We intend to proceed against you through the relevant security agencies to compel you to substantiate the criminal allegations you have made.” The government remains committed to pursuing all legal avenues to protect the reputation of Governor Okpebholo and his administration.
