Ize-Iyamu rejects allegations of duplicating Vanguard Newspaper

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and Edo South Senatorial aspirant, has denied allegations of cloning Tuesday's edition of Vanguard Newspaper, which falsely claimed he had won the senatorial ticket due to the National Working Committee's intervention.

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He has also initiated legal action against Collins Osaghae, Special Adviser on Digital Media to Governor Monday Okepbholo, for sharing the cloned copy and accompanying it with defamatory statements.

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Ize-Iyamu described his accusers as desperate individuals seeking to tarnish his reputation, pointing out the absurdity of claims that he intends to contest the 2027 presidential election.

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As a loyal party member, Ize-Iyamu noted that he had directed his supporters to vote for President Bola Tinubu during the primary election, which Tinubu won convincingly, contradicting the claims that he aspired to the presidency.

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A letter from Faithful Stewards solicitors to Osaghae stated that the allegations against Ize-Iyamu were false and libelous, demanding that Osaghae provide evidence of Ize-Iyamu's involvement in forging the headlines or circulating the paper within 48 hours.

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If the evidence cannot be provided, the letter demanded a public apology and retraction to be published in seven television stations, seven national newspapers, and various online channels.

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Ize-Iyamu's law firm also demanded N2 billion as reparation for the damages caused by the libelous statements.

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The law firm described Ize-Iyamu as a responsible family head, decent Nigerian citizen, and respected professional, highlighting his credentials as a legal practitioner, former Chief of Staff, and ordained Minister of God.

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Ize-Iyamu was reportedly shocked by the online statement, which he deemed libelous and derogatory, aiming to malign his reputation as a politician and senatorial aspirant for the Edo South Senatorial District.

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It is worth noting that Ize-Iyamu had contested the Edo South Senatorial District election, but is currently disputing the result announced by the party's primary election committee, which placed him third after Senator Neda Imasuen and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, the declared winner.