EDO ATTORNEY GENERAL DENIES ALLEGATIONS OF JUDICIAL INTERFERENCE IN ELECTION APPEAL

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, has strongly denied allegations suggesting judicial interference in the state’s ongoing governorship election appeal before the Supreme Court. Addressing members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, during their June meeting, Osagie described the allegations as “malicious and unpatriotic,” and warned against the politicization of legal proceedings.
The controversy was ignited by a claim posted on social media by renowned human rights advocate and former National Human Rights Commission Chairman, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu. Odinkalu alleged that Dr. Osagie and a Justice of the Supreme Court were sighted together at the Protea Hotel in Benin City on June 10 — a development he insinuated could compromise judicial impartiality in the election appeal involving Governor Okpebholo.
Reacting, Osagie categorically denied the accusation, describing it as a “wicked attack” with no basis in fact. He clarified that no meeting occurred between him and any Justice of the Supreme Court. He further pointed to a public statement issued by the Supreme Court clarifying that the said Justice was granted permission to attend a private engagement in Benin City, unrelated to any official judicial function.
“Assuming, but not conceding, that I was at the hotel, how does that amount to an improper meeting?” Osagie questioned, insisting that the video footage cited by Odinkalu’s associates offered no conclusive proof of any unethical behavior.
The Attorney General also took the opportunity to reflect on his long-standing membership in the NBA and the significance of his current role. “This opportunity is remarkable in many respects. I am doing so as the Chief Law Officer of our dear State,” he said, highlighting his professional roots with the NBA Benin Branch since 1996.
Urging legal professionals to uphold ethical conduct, Osagie warned that using social media to cast aspersions without proof threatens both individual reputations and institutional credibility. He appealed for “verifiable and unimpeachable facts” as the basis for criticism and emphasized that the Okpebholo-led administration remains committed to the rule of law.
The Edo State government is currently facing political tension stemming from the governorship election appeal, and the Attorney General’s public rebuttal signals a desire to push back against narratives that could cast doubt on the integrity of the judiciary.