Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has denied allegations that he issued a threat to former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, during his recent visit to the state.
Gatekeepers News reports that Obi was in Benin City on July 7, 2025, where he donated ₦15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences to support ongoing projects.
Following the visit, Governor Okpebholo reportedly criticised Obi’s presence in the state, linking it to a resurgence of violence and cautioning him against future visits without prior notice.
The remarks sparked widespread backlash across social media and among public commentators, with many interpreting them as a direct threat.
However, in a statement released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo clarified that his comments were misinterpreted.
He emphasised that he never issued a threat to Obi but stressed the necessity for public figures especially politically exposed persons to follow established security protocols before visiting the state.
The statement reads, “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 Governor said his position was influenced by recent security concerns in the region, particularly the rise in abductions and attacks on religious leaders.
The statement highlighted that Governor Okpebholo’s stance should not be politicised or compared to past political tensions, referencing Peter Obi’s alleged detention of Nasir El-Rufai during his tenure as Anambra State Governor.
It added, “ 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.”
“Governor Okpebholo is committed to a safe and inclusive Edo State for all. His administration is working tirelessly to address the insecurity it inherited, and his call for coordination and orderliness should be seen as a measure of responsible governance, not hostility.”
