July 21, (THEWILL) — The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, at the weekend came under the searching gaze of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and the Nigeria Police in Kaduna State. Reason? His politics appears to be irritating him. Okpebholo directed the labour leader to seek security clearance anytime he wants to come to the state. The police, citing security reasons, banned his supporters from organising a birthday party for him.
For Governor Okpebholo, who said he could not guarantee the LP chieftain’s security in the state if he failed to seek and obtain prior permission before visiting, the reason for the ban is tied to Obi’s recent gesture that allegedly claimed two lives.
Speaking at a defection rally held in Uromi, headquarters of Esan North-East Local Government Area, at the weekend while celebrating the defection of the former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and current PDP lawmaker representing Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Marcus Onobun, to the APC, the governor said, “The man wey say he no get shishi, I am sending a direct message to him: there is a new sheriff in town. He cannot come to Edo without telling me because his security will never be guaranteed. Whatever happens to him when he is in Edo State, he will take it. I am serious about it.”
The governor’s remarks were in reference to Obi’s July 7, 2025, visit to Edo State, during which the LP leader donated N15 million to the St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing in Benin.
Governor Okpebholo questioned the source of the donation, suggesting it contradicted Obi’s public image.
“He came the other day and donated N15 million. Somebody wey say he no get shishi — where he get N15 million to donate to people? By the time he left, there was crisis. Three people died in Benin City. So, for that reason, tell Obi he should not come to Edo without telling me,” the governor told the crowd.
However, the governor’s statement drew widespread condemnation from Labour Party Senators, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), OBIdient Movement, Labour Party Senators on the platform of Igbo Community in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja and Mr Femi Falana, who urged Obi to exercise his rights as provided for in the Nigerian Constitution and sue the governor if no apology was made to him.
“In view of section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which stipulates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, Governor Okpebholo should withdraw the threat, apologise publicly to Mr. Peter Obi and assure him of the safety of his life in Edo State.
“However, if Governor Okpebholo does not withdraw the illegal threat because of sheer arrogance of raw power, Mr. Peter Obi should proceed to file an application in the Benin Judicial Division of the Federal High Court to secure the enforcement of his fundamental right to life. Mr. Obi should act with utmost urgency in view of the prevalence of mob justice and other forms of extrajudicial killings in the country.”
Rising from a meeting, the Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) tackled Governor Okpebholo and condemned his directive, arguing that the ban was unconstitutional and illegal as no Nigerian, let alone a politically exposed person like Obi with teeming followers, should be prevented from entering any state in the country.
President General of the group, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, described Governor Okpebholo’s comment as deeply disappointing and unbecoming of a public office holder.
The Igbo community described the governor’s allegations as reckless and irresponsible, accusing him of making inflammatory remarks that could stoke unnecessary political tension.
“It is saddening that in the face of rising socio-economic challenges, the Governor appears more concerned with Mr Obi’s itinerary than with the pressing issues confronting Edo State. He should prioritise the duties of his office rather than single out Peter Obi for political persecution”, the statement read.
Arguing that Mr. Obi, like any Nigerian citizen, has the constitutional right to travel freely across the country without fear of intimidation or restriction, the group said the politics of bloodshed and ‘do-or-die’ must be condemned.
“Nigeria is not a one-party state; we are a democracy, and a vibrant one at that”, Ellis-Ezenekwe said.
The association also called on the nation’s security agencies to caution Governor Okpebholo, warning that such divisive and incendiary remarks could further deepen political and ethnic tensions.
The group linked the controversy to a broader pattern of perceived hostility towards prominent Igbo figures, referencing the continued detention of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, without conviction, and similar alleged attempts to restrict Obi’s political activities in other states.
“Just a few months ago, a similar scenario played out in Benue State, where the Governor, a Reverend Father, took comparable steps,” the statement noted.
The association suggested that Governor Okpebholo’s remarks stem from a fear of the growing popularity of a new political coalition, which it claimed Obi represents as its most credible symbol.
“Rather than fear the movement, the Governor should respect democratic principles and focus on delivering good governance,” the Igbo Community Association noted.
On Sunday Okpebholo clarified his statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, who said that Edo State remains a home for all Nigerians, regardless of party affiliation, faith, or creed.
According to him, Governor Okpebholo is committed to politics of inclusivity, not exclusion, adding that his administration is one of bridges, not walls.
He insisted that proper protocols must be adhered to by political leaders, including Obi.
Itua pointed out that the governor’s comment was not an attack but a statement borne out of official protocol, not personal bias.
He said, “At every point in the journey of leadership, those in authority must provide not only stewardship but also clarity. The weight of governance often demands that decisions, words, and actions reflect a deep sense of responsibility, not just to one’s immediate constituency but to the broader Nigerian family. This is the principle that guides Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership.
“Governor Okpebholo, a man of civility and courtesy, upholds the highest traditions of intergovernmental respect and protocol. In public events where protocol is critical, the order of recognition and speech must follow laid-down standards, especially where serving officials and guests of honour are present.
He further said the governor’s clarification was a restatement of this norm — that while all visitors to the state are welcome and respected, official channels and roles must be observed to maintain structure and avoid unintended misinterpretations.
“It is important to state that Edo remains a home for all Nigerians, regardless of party affiliation, faith, or creed. As a leader elected to serve every Edo citizen, Governor Okpebholo is committed to politics of inclusivity, not exclusion. His administration is one of bridges, not walls.”
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
