Edo State’s Governor Monday Okpebholo has come under fire for warning former Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against visiting without notifying him or obtaining security clearance.
Speaking at a political rally in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, Okpebholo declared that Obi’s recent visit to Edo State allegedly triggered unrest and must not be repeated without his approval.
“This message is for the man who claims he has no ‘shishi’,” Governor Okpebholo of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said, referencing Mr Obi’s well-known remark about living a modest life.
“There’s a new sheriff in town. He cannot just come into Edo without informing me. His security will not be guaranteed. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking.”
Obi later cancelled the trip.
Okpebholo’s statement has triggered strong reactions from civil society groups, lawyers, political figures, and online commentators.
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, on Sunday, asked Okpebholo to withdraw the threats to the life of Peter Obi.
In a statement issued by Falana, the lawyer noted that the threat to the life of Peter Obi issued by the “new sheriff in town” in Edo state, constitutes a violation of Section 33 of the Constitution and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples (Ratification and Enforcement) which guarantee the fundamental right of every citizen to life.
“In view of Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which stipulates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, Governor Okpebholo should withdraw the threat, apologise publicly to Mr. Peter Obi and assure him of the safety of his life in Edo State.
“However, if Governor Okpebholo does not withdraw the illegal threat because of sheer arrogance of raw power, Mr. Peter Obi should proceed to file an application in the Benin Judicial Division of the Federal High Court to secure the enforcement of his fundamental right to life.
“Mr. Obi should act with utmost urgency in view of the prevalence of mob justice and other forms of extrajudicial killings in the country.”
VDM @vdmempire wrote on X Twitter: “Governor Okpebholo, please stop spreading hate. I know you have to work for the Oga at the top, however, please do not do it at the expense of the integrity of the great people of Edo State. Dear Peter Obi, we the people of Edo State apologise for this.”
In a statement, Kunle Edun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), described the Governor’s comments as a violation of his oath of office and a gross misrepresentation of constitutional authority.
“The social media is replete with a viral video of the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, allegedly addressing a crowd of his supporters in Benin City. The Governor was reportedly seen threatening Mr. Peter Obi… not to enter Edo State without his permission,” Mr Edun said.
“All Governors are, by virtue of their constitutional powers, the Chief Security Officers of their respective states and are enjoined to ensure that lives and properties are protected, as this is the primary responsibility of government.
“Mr Peter Obi is a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and has the constitutional right to move, reside and visit any place in Nigeria. That right is guaranteed by the provisions of Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution. It is only the Constitution or a law validly passed that can restrict the movement of a citizen—not the pronouncement of a Governor.”
Mr Edun described the statement as “most unfortunate,” adding that it could discourage investors and visitors, and cast Edo State as unsafe.
“Edo State is a peaceful and lovely state. Its people are friendly and welcoming,” he concluded.
Human rights lawyer and former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, described the threat as dangerous and unconstitutional.
“For the avoidance of doubt, every #Nigerian citizen has a constitutional right to #FreeMovement to any part of the country.
“The exercise of that right does not exist at the say-so of any politician, no matter the amount of #JudiciallySanctioned #ElectionRigging procured for them,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) described the Governor’s remarks as a veiled death threat.
“Okpebholo’s recorded remarks, warning Obi not to ‘dare’ enter Edo State without his permission and stating that his security ‘is not guaranteed,’ constitute a veiled death threat against a law-abiding citizen exercising his constitutional rights,” the group said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Peter Ameh.
CUPP added that the comments violate Section 41 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement and residence across the country.
The coalition called on political leaders and civil society to speak out against what it termed “an unacceptable display of thuggery.”
“That’s clear evidence of how our political arena is filled with the wrong people. Conduct a job interview for Okpebholo in a well established private organisation and see if he can get employment to supervise a unit in that same organisation.
“Everything about the system is completely wrong, especially our leadership recruitment process due to manipulation and interference. A corrective measure will not work, all we need is a complete overhaul,” Mr Ameh added.
The Obidient Movement, a political support network for Mr Obi, also weighed in, saying Governor Okpebholo must be held responsible if any harm befalls the former Presidential candidate.
“The threats must not be taken lightly,” the group warned. “Governor Okpebholo, like other Governors, is the chief security officer of his state. His words carry consequences.”
The group also drew parallels with previous threats from Governor Alia of Benue State, alleging a pattern of targeted intimidation against Mr Obi and his political movement.
In a separate statement, the President-General of the Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, condemned the Governor’s outburst as reckless and inflammatory.
“Governor Okpebholo must exercise greater caution in the manner he expresses himself, especially now that he speaks not just as a politician, but as an elected Governor,” the statement said.
The group demanded a retraction, describing the remarks as unbecoming of a public officeholder. “Such an allegation — that Obi’s visit led to the death of three individuals — is reckless and irresponsible.”
The statement also alleged that the Governor’s comments reflect a deeper intolerance toward opposition voices and insinuated ethnic bias against the Igbo community.
