Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State | File Image
The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has denied issuing threat to Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his recent visit to the South-South state.
Obi visited Benin on July 7, 2025, and donated ₦15m million to St Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences for the completion of projects in the school.
However, the Edo governor condemned Obi’s visit to the state, insisting that his visit coincided with the resurgence of violence in the state.
He had warned the former Anambra State governor not to visit the state again without prior notice or face the consequences.
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Okpebholo words on Friday: “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped N15 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.”
Okpebholo’s remarks have attracted a lot of backlash and condemnation from both some prominent Nigerians and social media commentators.
But in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Sunday, the governor claimed that his remarks were misinterpreted.
“The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to various misinterpretations surrounding the recent remarks made by His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, regarding the visit of Mr. Peter Obi to the State.
“It is imperative to state clearly that the Governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr. Obi, but rather emphasized the need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from the Governor before embarking on any public engagements within the state.
“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,” the statement read in part.
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