Edo Governor to Peter Obi: “Don’t Enter Edo Without My Permission”
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, insisting that the former Anambra governor must seek official clearance before entering the state for any reason — including humanitarian visits.
Addressing a crowd of supporters in a now-viral video, Okpebholo declared that Obi’s safety could not be guaranteed without prior notice to the state government.
“This message is for the man who says he has no ‘shishi’ (money),” the governor said. “There’s a new sheriff in town. He can’t just come into Edo without informing me. If he does and anything happens to him, he’ll have himself to blame. I’m not joking.”
Okpebholo also accused Obi of hypocrisy, referencing a previous visit in which he allegedly donated ₦15 million. “A man who claims to have no money — where did that come from?” he asked, suggesting that unrest following that visit led to the deaths of three individuals in Benin.
This is not the first time Obi has faced pushback from an APC-led state. In April, he was reportedly advised against visiting an IDP camp in Benue State after herdsmen attacks.
The governor’s comments have stirred online debate, with critics calling his warning politically charged, while supporters claim it’s a necessary step for maintaining security. As of now, Peter Obi and his team have not issued an official response.
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