The political climate in Edo State has heated up following a controversial warning issued by Governor Monday Okpebholo to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s former presidential candidate.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Governor Okpebholo, speaking in Uromi during a defection ceremony, declared that Peter Obi must not enter Edo State without first notifying him.
The governor, in a direct and aggressive tone, said Obi’s security would not be guaranteed if he visited unannounced.
He added that the Labour Party stalwart should take responsibility for “whatever happens” to him during such visits.
Okpebholo’s comments were triggered by Obi’s recent visit to Benin City, where he donated ₦15 million to St. Philomena Hospital.
The governor controversially linked that visit to a subsequent crisis in which three people reportedly died.
According to Okpebholo, “He came the other day and donated ₦15 million. After he left, there was a crisis, and three people died in Benin.”
He concluded, “Tell Obi he should not come to Edo without telling me. A new sheriff is in town.”
In response, Labour Party’s Edo governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, blasted the governor’s remarks, calling them “ill-judged” and “deeply troubling.”
Akpata said he initially thought the video was fake, perhaps AI-generated or a poorly written skit, but was shocked to find it real and undisputed.
“Let’s be clear: Mr. Peter Obi does not need anyone’s permission to visit Edo State or any other state for that matter — not now, not ever,” Akpata said in a strongly worded statement.
He described Edo people as warm and welcoming, not the kind to threaten respected figures with hostility.
Akpata also noted that the governor’s threats coincided with Obi’s 64th birthday, a day many Obidients across Nigeria marked with charity and service.
“Governor Okpebholo should focus more on governance and earning the people’s love, not intimidating national leaders,” Akpata added.
Supporters of Peter Obi have flooded social media with outrage, accusing the governor of inciting violence and acting like a dictator.
Many see the statement as a sign of fear over Obi’s growing influence in Edo politics ahead of the September 2024 gubernatorial election.
As tensions rise, political observers warn that the governor’s comments could backfire, galvanising greater support for the Labour Party across the state.
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