Possibly, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was not sure of the ferocity of the responses he was courting when he warned Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, not to visit the state without his permission.
Obi, arguably Nigeria’s most popular politician, last visited Edo State on July 12 where he made a ₦15 million donation to a nursing school. The governor claimed three people died after his departure.
Okpebholo made the remarks at Uromi, Esan North-East LGA, while receiving Hon. Marcus Onobun, a former PDP lawmaker who decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The man wey say e no get ‘shishi’, I am sending a direct message to him. He cannot come to Edo without telling me. A new Sheriff is in town,” he declared.
“He came the other day and donated ₦15m. By the time he left, there was crisis and three people died in Benin. Tell Obi he should not come to Edo without telling me.”
He also accused Obi of hypocrisy. “Someone who says he doesn’t give ‘shishi’, how did he get ₦15 million to donate to people?” he asked.
A Veiled Threat?
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has slammed the threat, calling it unconstitutional and disgraceful.
Chief Peter Ameh, CUPP’s National Secretary, said the governor’s comments were a direct assault on democratic freedoms.
“Okpebholo’s remarks warning Obi not to ‘dare’ enter Edo State and stating that his security ‘is not guaranteed,’ constitute a veiled death threat,” Ameh said.
He argued that Obi’s only “offense” was donating to nursing schools and IDPs. “Should a governor fear acts of charity?” he queried.
Ameh continued: “Such conduct is a betrayal of the trust of Edo people. This shameful episode demands immediate and unequivocal condemnation from all quarters.”
“No one in power should trample on the rights of citizens. Edo and Nigeria deserve better than this display of governance.”
Obidients Raise the Alarm
The Obidient Movement – a youth-led group of fanatical supporters of Mr. Obi immediately issued a sharp warning to Governor Okpebholo. The group said the threat, caught on video, would have consequences.
Nana Kazaure, Director of Strategic Communications, said they were alarmed by the governor’s words.
“It is unconstitutional, dangerous, and indefensible for a sitting governor to restrict a citizen’s right to movement,” she said.
“This is not an isolated incident. There was a similar threat from the Benue Governor in the past during another of Obi’s visits.”
“Let it be clear: should any harm befall Mr. Obi, Nigerians will know where to look.”
The movement called for immediate condemnation from civil society and international communities. “No politician should weaponize their office to incite fear or division.”
Akpata Reacts: ‘Deeply Troubling’
Former NBA President and LP’s ex-governorship candidate in Edo, Olumide Akpata, also condemned the threat.
He initially believed the video was fake. But upon discovering it was real, he was shocked.
“I genuinely thought it was fake—perhaps one of those AI-generated videos. But it’s now clear it wasn’t fake,” he wrote on X.
Akpata said the governor’s silence confirmed the authenticity of the video. “No spokesperson has disowned it. It’s troubling.”
He called it an affront to Edo people. “We welcome visitors. We don’t chase them away—much less someone like Obi, who came to donate ₦15 million to a school.”
“Peter Obi does not need anyone’s permission to visit any part of Nigeria. Not now, not ever,” he added.
Akpata said the governor should focus more on connecting with the people like Obi has done through consistent leadership.
“Maybe Okpebholo should govern in a way that earns him the love Peter Obi enjoys.”
He criticised the governor’s timing. “That this threat came on the eve of Obi’s birthday shows poor judgment.”
He ended with a birthday message: “Happy 64th Birthday to Peter Obi—a man whose leadership inspires millions.”
Online Reactions and Public Condemnation
The video has gone viral, drawing fierce backlash from Nigerians online. Many described the governor’s remarks as cowardly and desperate.
@White_Superion wrote: “You should organize a huge birthday party for Peter Obi right at the center of Edo State. That’s how to send a better message.”
@osquare78 said: “There must be an invitation for Obi to visit the state immediately. This threat must be addressed and neutralized.”
@ApexHodde posted: “He is afraid he might be a one-term governor. Edo people know what to do. Nor be we go tell dem!”
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