In a strongly worded statement released by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson R. Osagie, the government condemned a social media post allegedly authored by Ifaluyi-Isibor and circulated widely since June 6, 2025.
The post, published on the former commissioner’s verified Facebook account, reportedly accused the present administration of gross incompetence, claiming it has convened only three Executive Council meetings in eight months. The post also alleged that Governor Monday Okpebholo spends most of his time in Abuja, remotely influencing contract awards, and that the administration is hoarding state funds to settle a Supreme Court judgment linked to past projects.
Osagie labeled the claims “entirely baseless, malicious, and defamatory,” asserting that they were crafted to tarnish the reputation of Governor Okpebholo and his cabinet.
He clarified that the current administration, although less than eight months in office, has held several Exco meetings resulting in major development strides, including ongoing flyover construction projects in Benin City.
The Attorney General warned that the state government views the publication as a case of criminal defamation and has issued a 24-hour deadline for Ifaluyi-Isibor to publicly retract the statement and issue an apology. Failure to comply, Osagie said, will prompt both civil and criminal proceedings.
