Human rights activist and legal practitioner, Douglas Ogbankwa, has withdrawn his N50 million lawsuit against the Edo State Government, the Attorney General of Edo State, former Attorney General Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), and other parties.
The suit, marked ESMDC/97/2024, was filed before the High Court of Edo State, Benin Judicial Division, over alleged false claims that Ogbankwa was not a qualified legal practitioner.
According to Ogbankwa, the action was instituted after the former Attorney General, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), allegedly wrote to the then Commissioner of Police in Edo State claiming that he was not a qualified lawyer, an allegation he said damaged his professional reputation.
He had sought N50 million in damages and requested the court to order an inquiry into what he described as the injustice perpetrated against him within the Edo State Ministry of Justice during Iyamu’s tenure.
However, Ogbankwa has now discontinued the case, citing his respect for the current administration in the state and his desire to promote peace.
Explaining his decision, Ogbankwa said, “I have resolved to discontinue all civil proceedings in this matter out of profound respect for the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the Attorney General of Edo State, Roland Otaru (SAN).”
He added, “In the spirit of peace and forgiveness, I have chosen to officially withdraw the suit and leave the entire matter to God and those who made the allegations against me.”
Court documents showed that a Notice of Discontinuance, dated July 17, 2026, was filed before Justice E. Ahaomoje of High Court No. 3, Benin City.
The notice, signed by Ogbankwa’s counsel, Lucky Osemene Esq. of Douglas Ogbankwa Law, stated: “The Complainant wholly discontinues this suit against the Defendants.”
The defendants in the suit include the Edo State Government, the Attorney General of Edo State, and the Commissioner of Police, Edo State, while former Attorney General Oluwole Iyamu (SAN) was listed as a party sought to be joined.
The filing formally brings the litigation to an end.
