Political Tension Rises: Okpebholo Demands Respect From Peter Obi Before Edo Visit

Okpebholo Insists Peter Obi Must Notify Him Before Visiting Edo, Says ‘It’s Not a Threat’

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has stood by his recent declaration that former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, must notify him before entering Edo State, insisting the statement was not a threat but a security advisory.

According to iReporter Online, the governor made the remarks during the commissioning of the revived Edo Line transport company in Benin City, where he addressed criticism trailing his earlier comments at a political rally.

Speaking at the inauguration event attended by key political figures including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Governor Okpebholo defended his stance, saying his primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors in Edo. “If telling him (Peter Obi) to notify me of his coming as the chief security officer of the state is a crime, so be it,” he stated.

He reiterated that he had no regrets over his comments and emphasized that any high-profile visitor, particularly political figures, should obtain clearance to guarantee proper security arrangements.

The controversy began during a political rally in the state, where Okpebholo warned Mr Obi not to enter Edo without first informing him or obtaining security clearance. At that rally, the governor referenced an incident involving Obi’s visit to St Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences, where he donated N15 million.

According to iReporter Online, the governor alleged that the visit sparked unrest that led to the death of three individuals, prompting his call for stricter coordination during such visits.

“There is a new sheriff in town,” Okpebholo declared. “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.”

The remarks drew widespread condemnation from civil society organizations, lawyers, political commentators, and members of the public, who described them as undemocratic and hostile.

Despite this, Okpebholo doubled down on his position, asserting that his comments were taken out of context and misrepresented on social media platforms.

Backing the Edo governor’s position, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike supported the call for advance notification, describing it as a standard security protocol for high-profile political figures.

“When I was governor of Rivers State, when Peter Obi was coming to my state, he notified me, and I provided vehicles and logistics for him,” Wike said. “At that level, anything that happens to him will be my fault.”

According to iReporter Online, Wike accused political actors of twisting Governor Okpebholo’s words for partisan gain, adding that security concerns should always be prioritized over political sentiments.

Governor Okpebholo also referenced his own experience during the 2024 governorship campaign when, according to him, a police commissioner had advised against leaving the airport — a warning he ignored, resulting in the death of his police orderly. “I have advised the former governor of Anambra State. If he likes, let him take it. If he likes, let him dwell on social media. It does not concern me,” he stated firmly.

According to iReporter Online, while critics continue to demand a retraction and public apology, Okpebholo insists his statement was both reasonable and rooted in personal and administrative experience.

He reiterated that the directive was not politically motivated but a necessary step to preserve peace and avoid blame should anything go wrong during high-profile visits.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”