Former Edo State APC governorship candidate Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has threatened a two billion naira defamation lawsuit against Collins Osaghae, the Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Digital Media, over an alleged AI-generated fake newspaper front page purportedly from Vanguard Newspaper that was circulated on social media containing damaging allegations about him.

Ize-Iyamu’s counsel, Emmanuel Usoh, disclosed the contents of a demand letter dated May 28, 2026, at a briefing in Benin, accusing Osaghae of circulating a fabricated publication that falsely portrayed his client as engaging in fraudulent political activities and desperate lobbying ahead of the Edo South Senatorial race. The letter said the publication had been entirely manufactured and could not be found on Vanguard’s official website, e-paper, or verified publications.

The demand letter described the publication as malicious and designed to malign, denigrate, and injure Ize-Iyamu’s reputation and political standing. It said the alleged fabrication had caused embarrassment and emotional distress to his family, political associates, supporters, and religious community, and that he had continued to receive calls from concerned associates seeking clarification.

Usoh demanded a public apology and retraction broadcast on multiple television stations including Channels TV, AIT, TVC, Silverbird, Arise TV, and ITV, as well as in seven national newspapers. The notice warned that failure to comply within five days would result in both civil and criminal proceedings.

When contacted, Osaghae said he had not been served the notice and noted that there were established processes for serving legal notices.