Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has denied threatening Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following backlash over comments he made after Obi’s recent visit to the state.
The former Anambra State governor visited Benin City on July 7, 2025, where he donated ₦15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences for ongoing projects.
However, Okpebholo condemned the visit, saying it came amid a spike in violence in the state, and warned Obi not to return without prior notice, a statement many interpreted as a threat.
Okpebholo’s remarks sparked criticism from notable Nigerians and social media users, prompting a response from human rights lawyer Femi Falana, who urged him to withdraw the statement and apologise.
But in a statement issued Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the Edo governor insisted his words 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 statement argued that, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, Governor Okpebholo has a constitutional duty to ensure safety for all residents and visitors — a duty that includes coordinating logistics for high-profile events or visits.
“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 continued.
“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.”
The governor’s office emphasized that its concerns stem from the growing trend of violence and abductions in the region, particularly targeting religious leaders.
“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 also pushed back at critics who accused the governor of using the issue for political gain.
“Furthermore, 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.”
The government concluded by reiterating the governor’s commitment to public safety and responsible governance.
“Governor Okpebholo is committed to a safe and inclusive Edo State for all. His administration is working tirelessly to address the insecurity it inherited, and his call for coordination and orderliness should be seen as a measure of responsible governance, not hostility.”
