Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has firmly denied issuing any threat to Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, following his recent visit to Benin City.
Obi, who was in the state on July 7, 2025, made headlines for donating ₦15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences to aid ongoing development projects.
However, his visit coincided with rising security concerns in the state, prompting the governor to call for stricter adherence to security protocols.
Initial comments attributed to Governor Okpebholo, warning Obi against visiting the state without prior notice, sparked public outrage and criticism from political figures and citizens on social media. In response, the state government released an official statement on Sunday, clarifying the governor’s position.
According to the statement signed by Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua, the governor’s remarks were “grossly misinterpreted” and never intended as a personal threat against the former Anambra governor.
“The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to various misinterpretations surrounding the recent remarks made by His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, regarding Mr. Peter Obi’s visit,” the statement read.
“At no point did the Governor issue a threat. Rather, he emphasized the necessity for politically exposed persons and other high-profile individuals to inform the state authorities and obtain security clearance ahead of any major engagements within Edo.”
The statement underscores the governor’s constitutional role as the Chief Security Officer of the state, noting that this responsibility includes ensuring adequate security arrangements are made during high-profile visits, especially in today’s climate of heightened insecurity.
“Failure to follow such protocols can expose both the visitor and the public to unnecessary risks,” the statement continued, referencing the troubling trend of attacks and kidnappings targeting religious leaders, particularly Catholic clergy.
Taking a swipe at critics, the statement also drew historical parallels: “Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, once ordered the detention of then FCT Minister, Nasir El-Rufai, during a visit. The current administration’s concerns should not be distorted for political gain.”
Reaffirming his commitment to public safety, Governor Okpebholo urged all political figures and public personalities to respect local protocols when engaging in activities within Edo.
“The Governor remains committed to building a secure and inclusive Edo State. His call for coordination and security consciousness is a reflection of responsible leadership—not hostility,” the statement concluded.
I did not issue any threat to Mr. Peter Obi. My statement was a standard protocol reminder communicated in the context of heightened security concerns.