Okpebholo Denies Threatening Peter Obi Over Edo Visit

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has denied issuing any threats to the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, following the latter’s recent visit to the state.

Obi was in Benin on July 7, 2025, where he donated ₦15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences to support the completion of ongoing projects. However, his visit sparked controversy after Governor Okpebholo criticized the timing, linking it to a resurgence of violence in the state.

The governor had reportedly warned that the former Anambra State governor should not visit Edo again without proper notification, stating there could be consequences. His comments drew widespread backlash from prominent Nigerians and social media users, who accused him of issuing a threat.

In response, the Edo State Government released a statement on Sunday signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, clarifying that Okpebholo’s remarks 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 read.

“It is imperative to state clearly that the Governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr. Obi, but rather emphasized the need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from the Governor before embarking on any public engagements within the State.”

The government noted that as the Chief Security Officer of the state, it is the governor’s constitutional duty to protect the lives and property of both residents and visitors.

“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. 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,” it added.

The statement emphasized that the governor’s stance is especially relevant in view of increasing attacks and abductions targeting religious leaders, particularly Catholic priests and other Christian clerics.

“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 said.

It further noted, “The Governor’s concerns should not be twisted for political mileage by individuals seeking to score cheap points. 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.”

Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to a peaceful and secure Edo State, the statement concluded that Governor Okpebholo’s call for coordination should be seen as a measure of responsible leadership, not as an act of hostility.