Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a direct warning to the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, cautioning him against entering Edo State without official notification and clearance from the state government.
Speaking at a rally in Uromi, Governor Okpebholo emphatically stated that Obi’s security would not be assured if he visits Edo without prior governmental approval. The governor’s statement comes after an earlier visit by Obi, reportedly to donate ₦15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing, which Okpebholo claimed contradicted Obi’s public stance of lacking funds and was followed by unrest in Benin that allegedly resulted in three deaths.
“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,” Okpebholo declared to supporters.
Governor Okpebholo also questioned the source of Obi’s donation, urging transparency, and underscored that political leaders regardless of party must seek approval before any political or humanitarian engagement within Edo territory.
This is the second major incident in recent months where APC-led state governments have publicly cautioned Peter Obi over his visits, with a similar episode reported in Benue State in April during his visit to an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp.
These developments highlight increasing political tension and concerns around high-profile visits in state jurisdictions as Nigeria’s political landscape continues to shift post-2023.
