Benin City, Nigeria – Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has refuted allegations that he threatened former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, emphasising that his comments were rooted in legitimate security protocols amid rising insecurity in the region.
The clarification comes after Okpebholo’s remarks during a public event in Edo on Friday sparked widespread criticism. The governor had warned Obi against visiting the state without prior notice or security clearance, claiming that such unannounced trips could endanger lives. “I didn’t threaten Obi; my remarks were based on security concerns,” Okpebholo stated through his administration’s spokesperson, Godstime Itua.
In a detailed statement released on Saturday, the Edo government elaborated that the governor’s position was not intended as a personal threat but as a call for adherence to high-level security measures. The statement highlighted recent incidents, including attacks and abductions targeting religious leaders, particularly Catholic priests, in Edo State. The government noted that these concerns are amplified given Obi’s prominence and his Catholic faith, which could make him a potential target in the current climate of instability.
The controversy erupted following reports of Obi’s recent visit to Edo, during which he allegedly did not inform the state authorities. Okpebholo accused the visit of being politically motivated and potentially disruptive, vowing that he would not allow such activities to jeopardise public safety. “Rising insecurity informed my speech to Obi; I won’t allow politically motivated activities to endanger lives in Edo,” the governor affirmed in a follow-up release.
Critics, however, have labelled Okpebholo’s initial warning as heavy-handed. Some opposition figures and social media commentators argued that it infringed on Obi’s freedom of movement and smacked of political intimidation. Obi, who has yet to publicly respond to the latest clarification, is known for his grassroots engagements across Nigeria since his 2023 presidential bid.
The Edo administration drew a pointed comparison in its defence, noting that Okpebholo’s approach contrasts with past incidents under Obi’s tenure as Anambra governor. The statement claimed that Okpebholo’s actions differ from when Obi allegedly detained Nasir El-Rufai in Anambra, referencing a 2013 event where then-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and others were reportedly restricted during a visit. This historical reference has further fuelled debates on protocol and interstate relations.
The governor’s office has invited Obi to engage directly on future visits, reiterating that proper channels would ensure his safety and that of residents. “My comment on Obi’s visit wasn’t a threat… it’s about security protocols,” Okpebholo reiterated.
