Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has defended his controversial comments regarding Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, amid mounting criticism from human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), and spokespersons for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Obidient Movement.
The controversy erupted after Governor Okpebholo reportedly warned that Peter Obi must obtain security clearance before visiting Edo State—remarks critics described as threatening and undemocratic.
While Falana urged Obi to seek legal redress, labelling the remarks a “clear and illegal threat,” ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the governor of spreading falsehoods and intimidation tactics against an opposition figure.
Clarification from Edo Government
In response, the Edo State Government released an official statement on Sunday through the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, asserting that the remarks were misinterpreted and not intended as a threat. “It is imperative to state clearly that the governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr Obi,” the statement read.
“Rather, he emphasised the need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from the state government before embarking on any public engagements.”
The government noted that as Chief Security Officer of Edo State, the governor has a constitutional duty to safeguard lives and property, including those of prominent visitors.
Security Context and Precedents
The statement also highlighted recent incidents of abductions and attacks on religious leaders within the state, including the kidnapping of seminarians and the killing of Christian clerics, as part of the context for the governor’s caution.
“Public donations made to churches, hospitals, or faith-based institutions, while noble in intent, must be approached with caution and full consultation with appropriate security channels to avoid exposing these institutions and their leaders to danger,” Itua said.
Governor Okpebholo also drew a pointed contrast, referencing a past incident where Peter Obi, as Governor of Anambra State, allegedly detained Nasir El-Rufai during a visit to the state.
No Room for Political Twisting
The Edo State Government warned against what it called the politicisation of the issue.“Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi… The governor’s concerns should not be twisted for political mileage,” the statement read. “We expect leaders, no matter how highly placed, to align with the protocols and security realities of the areas they visit.”
Reactions from ADC, Obidient movement
In a reaction by ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, “The African Democratic Congress condemns the restriction order issued on Peter Obi.
“This is not the first time. It is becoming a pattern for APC governors to make the kind of pronouncements credited to Governor Okpebholo, declaring that Mr Obi or opposition leaders are not welcome in their state. We don’t need a visa in our country. We don’t need anybody’s permission to go to any part of our country.”
Furthermore, Dr. Yunusa Tanko debunked the Edo State government’s claim that Peter Obi was responsible for Nasir El-Rufai’s 2013 detention in his state. Speaking to THE PUNCH, he clarified the incidence, correcting that Peter Obi had no involvement with the matter, as it was the PDP who detained El-Rufai at the time.
