Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has demanded ₦25 billion in damages from Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the PDP in the state, over alleged defamation and libel.

In addition to the monetary claim, the governor is seeking a public apology from Aziegbemi to be published in three national newspapers. The demands were detailed in a letter dated 22 December 2025, addressed to Aziegbemi and signed by Okpebholo’s lawyer, R.I.D. Okezie, Esq.

The letter, titled “Demand for damages and apologies for defamation of the character of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” accused Aziegbemi of making statements that tarnished the governor’s reputation.

Okpebholo reportedly gave the PDP chairman a seven-day deadline to settle the ₦25 billion and publish the apology. The claims stem from a press release allegedly issued by Aziegbemi on 7 January 2025, in his capacity as factional chairman of the Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee.

The release, widely circulated across newspapers and online platforms, is said to have contained remarks that disparaged the governor and ridiculed the office he holds, undermining the image he has built over the years, including his time as a senator in the National Assembly.