EDO State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a blunt warning to Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, stating that his security cannot be guaranteed if he visits the state without prior notice to the government.
Speaking in Uromi, headquarters of Esan North-East Local Government Area, during a political reception for Hon. Marcus Onobun, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Okpebholo made it clear that he would no longer tolerate unsanctioned visits by opposition figures.
“The man we say he no get shi shi, I am sending a direct message to him,” Okpebholo declared in a fiery tone.
“He cannot come to Edo without telling me. A new Sheriff is in town. His security cannot be guaranteed.”
He further warned that any incident that may occur during such unannounced visits would be the sole responsibility of the visitor.
“Whatever happens to him when he comes to Edo State, he will take it,” the governor said, referring to Obi’s most recent visit, during which he donated ₦15 million to a hospital in Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo went on to suggest a link between Obi’s visit and the outbreak of violent cult-related clashes in parts of the state.
“He came the other day and donated ₦15 million. 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 added.
The Governor’s remarks come amid heightened security concerns following a wave of cult-related violence that erupted last Friday in Benin City and other parts of Edo State. Reports suggest that at least 12 people have been killed in suspected gang rivalries that authorities are still trying to control.
Though there is no direct evidence linking Peter Obi’s visit to the violence, the Governor’s comments have sparked concerns about rising political tensions and implications for inter-party engagement in the state.
The event where the Governor made his remarks also served as a stage for Marcus Onobun, former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, to officially announce his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
Onobun stated that contrary to previous claims of political harassment, his return to the APC was a homecoming.
“I am back home to join hands in building a stronger, more united Edo APC,” he said.
Peter Obi had visited the St. Philomena Hospital in Benin City earlier in the week, where he donated ₦15 million in support of the hospital’s humanitarian services. He did not reportedly seek any formal clearance from the state government ahead of the visit.
This, apparently, has drawn the ire of Governor Okpebholo, who insists on being informed of any such high-profile visits for security coordination and protocol reasons.
Political observers have described the governor’s comments as concerning, noting that public office holders must uphold the principle of inclusiveness and ensure security for all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation.
Some critics say the governor’s tone could be interpreted as a threat, while supporters argue it reflects a need for improved coordination and respect for state protocols.