Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has denied issuing any threats against Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following the latter’s visit to Benin City on July 7, 2025.
During his visit, Obi donated ₦15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences to support ongoing projects. However, the visit drew criticism from Governor Okpebholo, who suggested that Obi’s presence coincided with a resurgence of violence in the state and warned against future unannounced visits.
His remarks sparked widespread backlash, with many Nigerians, including social media commentators and public figures, condemning the tone of his response.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor clarified that his comments were misinterpreted.
“The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to various misinterpretations surrounding the recent remarks made by His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, regarding the visit of Mr. Peter Obi to the State,” the statement began.
It emphasized that no threat was issued and that the governor’s concern centered on the need for high-profile individuals—especially politically exposed persons—to seek security clearance before making public appearances in the state.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, it is the Governor’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of all residents and visitors alike,” the statement read. “This duty includes ensuring that adequate security measures are put in place during high-profile visits or events that may attract large crowds or media attention.”
The statement also pointed to the security risks currently facing Edo State, including a rise in attacks and abductions targeting religious leaders, particularly Catholic priests.
“In today’s volatile security environment, this wisdom cannot be overstated. Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, detained Nasir El-Rufai when he visited,” the statement added, making a pointed reference to a past incident between Obi and former Kaduna governor El-Rufai.
Itua insisted that the governor’s comments should not be politicized. “The State Government will not fold its arms and allow politically motivated activities to endanger lives. We expect leaders, no matter how highly placed, to align with the protocols and security realities of the areas they visit.”
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safety and order, calling his remarks a reflection of “responsible governance” rather than hostility toward Obi or any political figure.
What You Should Know
Peter Obi’s visit to Edo State, while philanthropic, stirred political tension due to its timing and lack of prior notice. Governor Okpebholo insists his reaction was a call for protocol and security coordination, not a threat. The situation reflects deeper undercurrents of political sensitivity in Nigeria’s current security climate.
