Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo state, has issued a stern warning to Peter Obi following the latter’s unannounced visit to the state earlier this month.
Recall that Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party, paid a visit to Benin City, the capital of Edo State, on July 7, 2025. During the visit, he made a generous donation of ₦15 million to the St. Philomena School of Nursing Sciences as part of his charitable and educational support initiatives.
However, the visit appears to have sparked political controversy. Speaking while receiving Marcus Onobun, a former PDP lawmaker who recently defected to the APC, Governor Okpebholo expressed his displeasure at Obi’s unannounced presence in the state.
He warned that any future visits to Edo State by the former presidential candidate must be preceded by proper communication and official notification to the state government. Okpebholo went as far as stating that Obi’s personal security would not be guaranteed if he failed to seek clearance before entering the state.
“I’m sending a direct message to him. He cannot come to Edo without telling me because his security will never be guaranteed,” the governor declared during the event.
Okpebholo also questioned the motive and source of Peter Obi’s ₦15 million donation, suggesting that such a significant amount of money raises concerns about accountability and transparency. The governor implied that Obi’s actions had political undertones that could lead to instability.
He further claimed that Obi’s last visit triggered unrest in the state, reportedly leading to a crisis that resulted in the loss of three lives — a development he cited as justification for his demand for prior notice.
The governor’s remarks quickly went viral, drawing widespread criticism and sparking debate online. Many Nigerians questioned the legality and democratic implication of a governor dictating who can or cannot enter a state within a federated republic.
Reacting to the governor’s warning, social media users voiced strong opinions:
Bro P Life remarked, “Even a man who cannot pronounce figures is talking to Obi”.
Spencer Anthony noted, “Can you imagine the country we have? So a citizen of Nigeria has no liberty to travel to any part of the country without informing the governor?”.
Anthonic Amaechi asserted,“That Edo governor na real mumu. If not for politics, who is he to stand or talk to Peter Obi?”.
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