Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has denied issuing a threat to Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following the former governor’s visit to Benin on July 7, 2025.
Obi was in the state to donate ₦15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences, aimed at supporting ongoing projects. However, Governor Okpebholo reportedly criticized the visit, linking it to a spike in violence in the state, and warned that Obi should not return without prior security clearance.
The remarks sparked widespread backlash from prominent Nigerians and social media users, many accusing the governor of making veiled threats against a political rival.
In a statement issued Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo claimed his comments were misinterpreted and insisted that he had not threatened Obi.
“The Governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr. Obi,” the statement read. “He merely emphasized the importance of high-profile individuals — particularly politically exposed persons — notifying and obtaining security clearance from the state government before conducting public engagements.”
As the state’s Chief Security Officer, the governor has a constitutional duty to safeguard residents and visitors, the statement said, noting that Obi’s unannounced visit posed “serious security vulnerabilities,” especially given the volatile security situation in Edo.
The government pointed to the recent spike in attacks on religious leaders, particularly Catholic priests, as justification for heightened security coordination.
“Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra, once detained Nasir El-Rufai during a visit,” the statement added, calling on critics not to twist the governor’s caution for “political mileage.”
It further stated that the governor’s call for protocol compliance was a matter of responsible governance, not hostility.
“The government will not allow politically motivated activities to endanger lives. We expect all leaders, regardless of status, to respect security protocols,” the statement said.
Governor Okpebholo, it added, remains committed to restoring peace in Edo and ensuring inclusivity, insisting that his administration’s stance is rooted in a desire to protect the public, not stifle political engagement.
