Ize-Iyamu Moves To Sue Okpebholo’s Aide Over Alleged Smear Campaign

Former Edo State governorship candidate and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has threatened to institute both criminal and civil proceedings against Mr. Collins Osaghae, Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Digital Media, over an alleged defamatory publication circulated on social media.

In a legal notice issued by his counsel, Emmanuel Usoh, Esq., and made available on Thursday in Benin City, Ize-Iyamu accused the governor’s aide of circulating what he described as a forged and AI-generated newspaper front page purportedly linked to Vanguard Newspaper, containing damaging allegations against him.

According to the letter dated May 28, 2026, Ize-Iyamu, who contested the Edo South APC Senatorial ticket, said the viral publication falsely portrayed him as engaging in fraudulent political activities and desperate lobbying ahead of the senatorial contest.

The letter stated that the publication was designed to “malign, denigrate and injure” his reputation and political standing.

The legal team maintained that the publication, which reportedly circulated across multiple WhatsApp groups and social media platforms, was entirely fake and did not exist on Vanguard Newspaper’s official website, e-paper, or verified publications.

“The layout, headline formatting and absence of publication date clearly show that the image was digitally manipulated and AI-generated,” the solicitors stated.

The lawyers further argued that the publication portrayed Ize-Iyamu as “a fraudulent and disgraceful person,” adding that the statements had caused embarrassment and emotional distress to his family, political associates, supporters and religious community.

They noted that the former APC governorship candidate had continued to receive calls from concerned associates seeking clarification over the viral report.

Usoh, in the notice, demanded that Osaghae provide within 48 hours “credible and verifiable proof” that Ize-Iyamu forged Vanguard Newspaper headlines or authorized the circulation of the alleged publication.

The legal team also demanded proof that their client was aware of the circulation before it went viral.

The letter further demanded a public apology and retraction to be published on major television stations including Channels TV, AIT, TVC, Silverbird Television, Arise Television and ITV, as well as in seven national newspapers. In addition, Ize-Iyamu is demanding N2 billion in damages for the alleged defamation.

“Failure to comply with these demands within five days will leave our client with no option than to commence both civil and criminal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction without further correspondence,” the notice warned.