Okpebholo Stands by Anti-Obi Comment: Let the Consequences Come

Edo State Governor Stands by Controversial Remarks on Peter Obi

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has maintained his stance, refusing to retract or apologize for a statement that sparked significant backlash. The governor made the remarks during a political event in Uromi, where he warned Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi against visiting Edo State without prior notification. Okpebholo claimed that his comments were made in good faith and did not constitute a crime.

The controversy began after Obi visited Edo State on July 7, donating ₦15 million to St. Philomena group of schools. During this visit, Okpebholo reportedly stated, “Peter Obi must not come into Edo without informing me.” He added, “His security will not be guaranteed. If he comes here without telling me and anything happens to him, he has himself to blame.”

This statement led to widespread outrage across the country. Civil society organizations, legal advocates, and opposition figures accused the governor of issuing a veiled threat and violating Obi’s constitutional rights to freedom of movement and political engagement. Femi Falana (SAN), a prominent legal practitioner, criticized the governor's remarks as “reckless and undemocratic.” Falana threatened legal action if the statement was not retracted and an apology issued, stating that Obi has the right to visit any part of Nigeria and associate with law-abiding citizens.

A legal firm, FOLEGAL Solicitors, also issued a seven-day ultimatum to the governor, warning of legal proceedings if an apology was not made. The firm accused Okpebholo of “issuing a veiled death threat” and violating Section 41 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to move freely throughout the country.

Despite the backlash, the Edo State Government and allies of the governor have denied that any threat was issued. The Edo State Commissioner for Information, Paul Ohoabamu, described the governor’s statement as “misinterpreted,” emphasizing that Okpebholo only offered a security advisory, not a threat. He explained that the governor was concerned about safety and referenced prior incidents to encourage better coordination and avoid a repeat of violence. Ohoabamu also accused Obi of hypocrisy, claiming he ordered the arrest and detention of then Congress For Progressive Change (CPC) Chieftain Nasir El-Rufai for visiting Anambra state without informing him.

Andrew Emuata, an aide to the governor, echoed this defense, insisting that the governor was acting out of concern for Obi’s well-being. He stated, “There is no threat here. What the governor said was in the interest of Peter Obi himself. He does not want any harm to befall any visiting politician.”

The acting chairman of the APC in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, also defended Okpebholo, stating that the governor was merely exercising caution due to rising insecurity. He claimed that those trying to paint the governor’s words as a threat were being mischievous. Tenebe noted that lives were lost after Obi’s last visit and emphasized that Edo people “hate” the Anambra-born politician.

The matter has taken on national significance, with rights groups and political analysts warning of creeping authoritarianism and the use of state power to intimidate opposition voices. At an event attended by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo stood his ground, stating, “I’m not going to talk much. Even when I said, I don’t talk, just one word sentence; everybody was crying. I only spoke the truth and I have nothing to apologize for. I was elected to protect the people of Edo and will always prioritize their safety.”

As the controversy continues to dominate political discourse, many await the expiration of the legal ultimatum issued to the governor. Meanwhile, opposition figures and supporters of Obi have petitioned the U.S. Embassy, calling for visa bans against Governor Okpebholo and his close family members.

Although no gubernatorial election is currently underway in Edo, analysts say the incident highlights deepening political tensions and the need for stronger safeguards to protect democratic freedoms in Nigeria.