Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, advising him not to enter the state without prior security clearance.
The governor’s remarks came on Friday during a rally organized by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to welcome Hon. Marcus Onobun, a former member of the House of Representatives under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC fold.
Okpebholo’s warning followed Obi’s recent visit to Edo State, during which he donated ₦15 million to the St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing in Benin City for an ongoing building project.
In a viral video from the rally, Okpebholo linked Obi’s visit to renewed violence in the state.
“He came the other day and donated N15 million. Somebody that said he doesn’t give shishi, where did he get N15 million to donate to people.. By the time he left, there was crisis. Three people died in Benin,” the governor said.
He continued with a direct message to Obi:
“For that reason, tell Obi he should not come to Edo without telling me. I am sending a direct message to him that there’s a new sheriff in town.
His security will never be guaranteed. He must not come to Edo without security clearance.”
Governor Okpebholo also launched a broader attack on unnamed opposition figures, accusing them of corruption and complicity in derailing critical national projects.
“Some of them stole railway funds. Some were Senate Presidents for years and could not build roads to their villages. Some sold off Nigeria’s assets. These same people now want to form new parties. Today, SDP, tomorrow ADC, next ADA. We do not need insecurity merchants,” he said.
Meanwhile, Marcus Onobun explained his defection as both a strategic and ideological decision.
“I have seen what Governor Okpebholo is doing; Edo people have seen it. I am back home to support him so that our people can get more,” Onobun declared.
DAILY GAZETTE recalls that Onobun’s switch to the APC comes just a month after state government authorities marked his house in Iruekpen for demolition, citing alleged involvement in cult-related activities.
