Suspended Edo State House of Assembly member, Barrister Emankhu Isibor Addeh, has taken legal action against the Assembly Speaker, Honourable Blessing Agbebaku, and seven media companies, accusing them of libel and defamation.

Addeh, who represents Esan North-East I Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), is seeking N3 billion in damages in a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The legal battle stems from events on March 8, when Speaker Agbebaku suspended Addeh and two other lawmakers, Hon. Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon II Constituency) and Hon. Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo II Constituency), both members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and supporters of the recently impeached deputy governor, Comrade Phillip Shaibu.

Agbebaku alleged that the lawmakers attempted to change the House leadership and brought a herbalist to the Assembly premises to plant charms.

In the suit (number FCT/HC/CVI/2856/2024) filed by his counsel, Nnaemeka J.J. Okeke, Esq., Addeh claims that Agbebaku falsely stated that the lawmakers brought a herbalist to the Assembly at 1 a.m. on April 30, with the intent to create “satanic disorder,” an action purportedly recorded by CCTV cameras.

Addeh argues that the Speaker’s statements, which were widely published and rebroadcast by media houses, were defamatory, suggesting he engages in fetish practices, is diabolical, and is a pagan.

He contends that these accusations have caused significant harm to his personal and political reputation.

“The words used in paragraphs 6 and 8 of the publications and rebroadcast reports by the media houses are calculated to disparage the claimant personally and politically,” Addeh stated in his legal claim.