The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State, Dr. Samson Osagie, has strongly denied allegations of judicial interference in the ongoing appeal challenging the outcome of the 2024 governorship election at the Supreme Court.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
Speaking at the June meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, held at the Bar House in Benin City, Dr. Osagie described as “baseless” the claims that he held a meeting with a Supreme Court Justice to influence the appeal in favour of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Addressing the legal community, Osagie condemned the allegations, which originated from a social media post by Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission. Odinkalu had alleged that the Edo Attorney-General and a Justice of the Supreme Court were seen leaving the Protea Hotel in Benin City on June 10.
“There was no meeting whatsoever with any judicial officer concerning the pending appeal,” Osagie stated, describing the claim as “a wicked, malicious, and unpatriotic vitriolic attack.”
Referencing a statement from the Supreme Court, Osagie noted that the Justice mentioned had obtained official permission to attend a private social event in Benin City involving a former President of the African Bar Association.
“Assuming but not conceding that I was in the said facility, how does that translate to a meeting with the jurist?” he asked rhetorically.
He further described the video evidence circulated by Odinkalu’s associates as inconclusive and defamatory. “There is nowhere my image was shown. Such an attempt to undermine our joint image and professional standing is a conduct unbecoming of a lawyer of that status,” Osagie added.
He urged legal practitioners to refrain from weaponizing social media, warning that accusations should be based on “verifiable and unimpeachable facts,” not speculation.
Dr. Osagie, who joined the NBA Benin Branch in 1996, said the meeting marked his first official engagement with the Lion Bar since being called to the Nigerian Bar over three decades ago. “This opportunity is remarkable in many respects. I am doing so as the Chief Law Officer of our dear state,” he remarked.
He also commended the Benin Branch of the NBA for its consistency in upholding legal reforms and peaceful transitions, stating that the current administration under Governor Okpebholo is committed to the rule of law.
The controversy stems from a report , which claimed that Justice Inyang Okoro of the Supreme Court was spotted at the Protea Hotel with the Attorney-General and was allegedly lobbying to be appointed chairman of the Supreme Court panel to hear the governorship appeal.
The report added that the pair were en route to meet Governor Okpebholo, raising concerns about potential backchannel influence.
A video accompanying the report appeared to show Justice Okoro in the hotel lobby, though the footage lacked clarity and did not confirm the Attorney-General’s presence.
Justice Okoro, a sitting Supreme Court Justice, has presided over several high-profile electoral disputes. His alleged involvement has raised concerns among political observers ahead of the appeal.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, are challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024 governorship election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner with 291,667 votes, ahead of Ighodalo’s 247,274.
The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal dismissed the PDP’s petition on April 2, 2025, citing lack of evidence to support claims of over-voting and electoral irregularities. The matter is now before the Supreme Court.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
