Don’t step into Edo without my approval – Gov Okpebholo tells Peter Obi

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a strong warning to the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, cautioning him against entering the state without prior notification and approval.

Governor Okpebholo’s warning marks the second time Obi has been cautioned by an All Progressives Congress, APC-led state over visits, including those reportedly for humanitarian purposes.

Addressing a gathering of political supporters in a video that has since gone viral on social media, the governor made it clear that Obi’s security would not be assured should he enter Edo State without officially informing the state government.

“This message is for the man who claims he has no ‘shishi’,” Governor Okpebholo said, using the local slang for money. “There’s a new sheriff in town. 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 governor also referenced a previous visit by Obi, during which he allegedly donated N15 million. He questioned the source of the funds, pointing out the contradiction between Obi’s public statements and his financial contributions.

“He came the other day and gave out N15 million. A man who claims to have no money, where did he get that from?” Okpebholo asked. “After he left, there was unrest in Benin, and three people lost their lives. That’s why I’m saying this: tell Obi not to step into Edo without informing me first.”

This development comes on the heels of a similar episode in April, when Obi was reportedly warned against visiting Benue State. At the time, his visit was intended for an internally displaced persons, IDP, camp hosting victims of herdsmen-related violence.