Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor: Edo Govt Demands Retraction, Apology Over Alleged Defamatory Post

From Staff Writer

The Edo State Government has issued a stern warning to political commentator, Mr Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, demanding a full retraction and public apology over what it describes as a “malicious” and “false” social media publication targeted at Governor Monday Okpebholo and members of the State Executive Council.

In a statement released through the Ministry of Justice, the government expressed outrage over comments posted by Mr Ifaluyi-Isibor on 6 June, which it claims unjustly disparaged the governor and his Commissioners, thereby subjecting the administration to “public odium” and reputational damage.

According to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, who signed the statement, Mr Ifaluyi-Isibor had falsely claimed that the state government had held only three Executive Council meetings in eight months. The Ministry clarified that the Okpebholo-led administration is only seven months into its tenure and has conducted “several” Executive Council meetings where “far-reaching developmental policies” – including major infrastructure projects such as the new flyovers in Benin City – were approved.

The government also took exception to another statement attributed to Mr Ifaluyi-Isibor, in which he alleged that Governor Okpebholo “practically lives in Abuja” and covertly returns to Benin to award contracts, while his associates arrange illicit financial cuts. The government described the remarks as “grossly malicious” and accused the author of attempting to bring the Governor “into disrepute and ignominy”.

Further allegations by Mr Ifaluyi-Isibor included claims that Edo State Commissioners were “useless” and that contracts inherited from the previous administration had suffered setbacks due to alleged financial improprieties, including the purported purchase of court judgments.

“These are grave and serious allegations,” the Attorney-General stated, warning that the publication amounts to “criminal defamation” and could warrant criminal prosecution unless a full retraction and public apology are issued within 24 hours.

The government is demanding that Mr Ifaluyi-Isibor publicly apologise to the governor and his cabinet on all social media platforms and in at least one national newspaper. Failure to do so, the Ministry warned, would result in both civil and criminal legal proceedings.

The Ministry of Justice reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of public officials and the sanctity of public service, and called on members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified or defamatory information.

As of press time, Mr Ifaluyi-Isibor had not publicly responded to the government’s demands.