The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, advising him against visiting the state without prior security clearance. Governor Okpebholo’s caution follows a recent visit by Obi to Benin, where he reportedly made a donation, which the governor controversially linked to a subsequent resurgence of violence in the state. This public directive highlights heightened security sensitivities in the state and the need for coordination with state authorities.
Speaking on the matter, Governor Okpebholo expressed strong disapproval of Obi’s unannounced visit, particularly given his generous donation of N15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences. The governor questioned the source of the funds and linked Obi’s presence to an escalation of insecurity. “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,” Okpebholo stated emphatically.
The governor underscored that Obi’s visit “coincided with a resurgence of violence in the state,” a correlation that he vowed would “not be tolerated.” This statement implies a perceived link between uncoordinated high-profile visits and potential security breaches or disturbances, which the state government is keen to prevent. The call for security clearance is therefore framed as a necessary measure to maintain law and order and ensure public safety within Edo State.
Governor Okpebholo’s warning also carried a strong political undertone, as he simultaneously addressed other political developments in the state, including a defection from the opposition PDP to the ruling APC. He asserted the APC’s firm control over Edo State and declared an intention to “completely erase” all traces of the opposition by the 2027 general elections, promising 2.5 million votes from Edo for President Bola Tinubu. This broader context suggests that the warning to Obi might also be part of a strategic assertion of gubernatorial authority and political dominance.
The directive to Peter Obi has ignited debate among political commentators, with some questioning whether a state governor has the authority to restrict the movement of a private citizen within the country, especially one who ran for president. However, state governments often cite security concerns as a basis for requiring awareness and coordination from high-profile individuals visiting their territories. The incident underscores the delicate balance between freedom of movement and the imperative of maintaining public security in politically charged environments.
