Benin City, July 20–21, 2025 – Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has emphatically rejected accusations that he threatened former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, clarifying that his statements were about enforcing security and protocol—not intimidation .
Obi visited Benin City on July 7, donating ₦15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences. The governor, however, expressed concern that his visit coincided with recent violent incidents in the state, including the tragic deaths of three individuals, and reportedly warned Obi against entering Edo again without prior security clearance .
Facing mounting backlash from critics, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), the African Democratic Congress, the Obidient Movement, and actor-politician Kenneth Okonkwo, Okpebholo issued a clarifying statement via his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua. The statement stressed that he never threatened Obi; instead, he emphasized that high-profile political visitors must coordinate with state security to ensure public safety .
Itua noted:
“When such protocols are ignored, it creates serious security vulnerabilities, not only for the visitor but also for citizens who may be caught in avoidable threats.”
He added that in the current volatile security climate—marked by kidnappings and attacks on religious leaders—the governor was merely fulfilling his constitutional responsibility as Edo State’s Chief Security Officer .
🔍 Rebuttal from Critics
- Kenneth Okonkwo labeled the governor’s warning as “unconstitutional, largely illiterate”, asserting that it violated Obi’s right to freedom of movement under the 1999 Constitution .
- The African Democratic Congress and Obidient Movement also condemned the governor’s directive, warning it could set a dangerous precedent for democracy .
- Femi Falana called for Okpebholo to withdraw his statement or face legal action, emphasizing that threats to one’s life are prohibited under both the Nigerian Constitution (Section 33) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights .
🗣️ Governor’s Main Points
- His remarks were misinterpreted—not threats, but reminders to follow security protocols .
- As Chief Security Officer, he must coordinate high-profile visits to protect residents and visitors alike .
- The increasing violence, including abductions of seminarians and attacks on church leaders, makes protocol enforcement a security imperative .
- He referenced biblical teaching, warning against conspicuous giving that might create security risks in fragile environments .
📌 Takeaway
Governor Okpebholo insists he never threatened Peter Obi—rather, he called for security coordination for politically exposed visitors amid rising violence in Edo State. Critics, on the other hand, believe his remarks infringed on constitutional freedoms and have called for either an apology or legal redress. The debate touches on broader issues of governance, public safety, and citizens’ rights.
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