Ize-Iyamu threatens lawsuit over cloned newspaper publication

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, an aspirant for the Edo South senatorial seat, has vehemently denied allegations of cloning the front page of the Vanguard Newspaper. The publication falsely suggested he had secured the senatorial ticket through the intervention of the All Progressives Congress's National Working Committee.

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These people are desperate, and they want to soil my name and reputation. You imagine the mischief they wanted to do; they even went as far as saying that I want to contest for the 2027 presidential election.

Ize-Iyamu is threatening legal action against Collins Osaghae, Special Adviser on Digital Media to Governor Monday Okpebholo. He accuses Osaghae of circulating the doctored newspaper and making defamatory statements. Speaking to journalists in Benin City, Ize-Iyamu stated that the circulation of the cloned newspaper was a malicious attempt to tarnish his image and spread untruths, including a fabricated claim about his presidential ambitions for 2027.

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Even the cloning of the Vanguard Newspaper is to embarrass me. They are the ones who are suffering embarrassment now because of their role in all this.

Through his solicitors, Faithful Stewards, Ize-Iyamu has demanded that Osaghae prove his claims within 48 hours. Failure to do so would result in a demand for a public apology and retraction across multiple media platforms, along with N2 billion in damages. The law firm described Ize-Iyamu as a responsible citizen and highlighted his professional and political background, expressing shock at the libellous online statement intended to damage his reputation and political aspirations.

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I have asked my lawyers to institute legal proceedings against the person who shared the cloned newspaper. I have always allowed this, but I have to take this option to clear my name.