Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo’s security threat to the 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi has been generating massive reactions nationwide.
The Governor’s statement has drawn criticism and outrage from Nigerians who described it as “undemocratic”.
Okpebholo’s security threat to Obi was made during a political rally in Uromi, Edo State on Friday, July 18, 2025
The governor, addressing supporters during the defection of a federal lawmaker to the All Progressives Congress (APC), warned Obi against visiting Edo State without prior notification or security clearance, stating that Obi’s safety could not be guaranteed if he visits without prior notice.
He claimed that Obi’s recent visit to Benin, where he donated ₦15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences, led to unrest and the loss of three lives.
The governor said: “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance.
“His visit coincided with a resurgence of violence in the state, and this will not be tolerated.”
Reacting, prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has criticised Okpebholo, asking him to immediately retract what he called a threatening statement made against Obi.
Falana described the governor’s statement as a breach of fundamental rights under the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Falana asserted: “Given 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 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 given the prevalence of mob justice and other forms of extrajudicial killings in the country.”
Similarly, the Labour Party Senate Caucus, led by Senators Victor Umeh and Ireti Kingibe, reacting to Okpebholo’s security threat, demanded that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Department of State Services investigate.
The caucus said: “The attention of the Labour Party Senate Caucus has been drawn to the disturbing and shocking statement of threat made by the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, openly threatening the life of Mr Peter Obi that his security will not be guaranteed if Peter Obi ever visited Edo State again without obtaining permission from the Governor.
“Mr Peter Obi’s only ‘sin’ was his recent visit to Edo State and donating N15 million to a nursing school in the state.
“We wish to remind the Executive Governor of Edo State that section 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, provides for Freedom of Movement and expression for all Nigerian citizens. Mr Peter Obi is a citizen of Nigeria and his movement is guaranteed and should not be curtailed by sheer executive lawlessness and impudence.
Okpebholo, responding to the criticism on Sunday, July 20, 2025, clarified through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, that his comments were rooted in security concerns and protocol, not hostility.
He maintained that high-profile individuals like Obi must notify the state government before visits to ensure adequate security, citing past incidents of abductions and violence in Edo State.
He said: “As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, it is the Governor’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of all residents and visitors alike. This duty includes ensuring that adequate security measures are put in place during high-profile visits or events that may attract large crowds or media attention. When such protocols are ignored, it creates serious security vulnerabilities, not only for the visitor but also for citizens who may be caught in avoidable threats.
“Governor Okpebholo’s position is particularly relevant in light of the rising attacks and abductions of religious leaders, especially Catholic priests and Christian clerics.”
“The Governor’s comments on the need for discretion in public giving are rooted in both security intelligence and moral responsibility.
“In today’s volatile security environment, this wisdom cannot be overstated. Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, detained Nasir El-Rufai when he visited.
“Furthermore, the Governor’s concerns should not be twisted for political mileage by individuals seeking to score cheap points. The State Government will not fold its arms and allow politically motivated activities to endanger lives. We expect leaders, no matter how highly placed, to align with the protocols and security realities of the areas they visit.”
