by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has come under fire following his controversial remarks threatening to bar former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from entering Edo without prior approval.
Last Friday, Okpebholo stated that Obi must seek his permission before visiting the state, warning that his safety could not be guaranteed otherwise. The governor blamed Obi’s June 7 visit to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences—during which he donated N15 million—for allegedly triggering unrest in Benin City that resulted in three deaths.
“There’s a new sheriff in town. He cannot just come into Edo without informing me,” Okpebholo declared. “If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking.”
He claimed that violence broke out shortly after Obi’s visit, leading to fatalities. “After he left, there was unrest in Benin, and three people lost their lives,” he added.
Labour Party Dismisses Governor’s Claims
The Edo State chapter of the Labour Party has strongly refuted Okpebholo’s claims. Speaking to DAILY POST, state party chairman, Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi, said there was no violence linked to Obi’s visit.
“I’m not aware of any incident of people dying in Edo because of Peter Obi’s visit,” Ogbaloi stated. “If any deaths occurred, they’re likely due to the political ‘court war’ ongoing in the state, not Obi’s peaceful visit.”
He added that the governor’s remarks were misplaced and lacked evidence. “Many of those in government have questionable characters. Whatever happened cannot be blamed on Obi.”
Governor Has No Right to Restrict Obi – LP
Ogbaloi further emphasized that Governor Okpebholo lacks the constitutional authority to restrict any Nigerian, including Peter Obi, from entering Edo.
“Peter Obi is a national figure and cannot be barred from any part of the country. If the governor had protocol concerns, he could have expressed them respectfully,” he said.
Public Outcry as CSOs and Activists Condemn Okpebholo
The governor’s comments have triggered widespread criticism from civil society groups, activists, and ordinary Nigerians.
Goodluck Ibem, President General of the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), condemned the statement as unconstitutional and divisive.
“No governor has the authority to stop a Nigerian from entering any state,” Ibem told DAILY POST. “Freedom of movement is a constitutional right, and attempting to deny it undermines democracy and national unity.”
Ibem warned that such rhetoric fosters division and intolerance, urging leaders to promote unity and respect for democratic principles.
“We urge Governor Okpebholo to retract his comments and adopt a more inclusive tone that respects the rights of all Nigerians,” he added.
Charly Boy Reacts
Popular activist and entertainer Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa, also known as Charly Boy, joined the criticism. A vocal supporter of Obi, Charly Boy dismissed the governor’s comments as “very unserious” and accused Okpebholo of being intoxicated by power.