Former presidential aide and media personality, Reuben Abati, has called on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to apologise to Labour Party’s Peter Obi for his recent comments, which have sparked public criticism.
Abati said the governor’s demand that Obi must notify him before visiting Edo State was out of place and insulting to both the former Anambra State governor and the people of Edo.
“He should apologise for embarrassing Edo people,” Abati said. “He doesn’t have the power to stop anyone from entering the state.”
The controversy began after Governor Okpebholo said he expected Peter Obi to notify his office before visiting the state. While Okpebholo claimed his comments were not a threat but advice, the statement drew backlash from many Nigerians.
The governor later defended his position, recalling a past incident where his police orderly, Inspector Akor Onu, was killed at the Benin Airport during Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration—an event he blamed on lack of coordination with security agencies.
But Abati dismissed the governor’s defence, questioning the logic behind the demand.
“If Peter Obi decides tomorrow to take a second wife, will Okpebholo say he cannot come to Edo and take an Edo woman?” Abati asked.
Peter Obi, who continues to tour parts of the country following the 2023 presidential election, has not officially responded to the comments.