Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has warned former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi not to enter Edo State without his prior approval. The governor’s strong caution came during a recent gathering of political supporters and has stirred controversy online.
Governor Okpebholo said Obi’s security would not be guaranteed if he entered Edo without informing the state government. “This message is for the man who claims he has no ‘shishi’ (money). There’s a new sheriff in town. He cannot just come into Edo without informing me. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame,” the governor said firmly.
Okpebholo also questioned Obi’s recent donation of N15 million during a visit to Edo. “A man who claims to have no money, where did he get that from?” he asked. The governor linked Obi’s visit to unrest in Benin City that followed, which left three people dead.
This is the second time a governor from the ruling APC has warned Obi against visiting their state without permission. Earlier this year, Obi was reportedly cautioned not to visit Benue State, where he planned to support victims of herdsmen attacks.
The warning highlights rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections and signals ongoing friction between the Labour Party and the APC-led governments in several states.