The youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has strongly condemned the recent warning issued by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, barring Mr. Peter Obi from entering the state without his permission.

 

Governor Okpebholo, on Friday, warned that Obi should not step foot in Edo State without obtaining his approval. He further threatened that should Obi defy the directive, he should be ready to face the consequences.

 

This statement has sparked nationwide outrage, drawing criticism from various groups and individuals.

 

Reacting to the development, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide described the governor’s comment as “shocking and unacceptable.” In a statement titled “An Urgent Call for Action”, released on Saturday by its National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the group characterized the governor’s remarks as an open assassination threat against Peter Obi.

 

Okwu said, “It is alarming for a sitting governor to issue such a dangerous threat against a fellow Nigerian citizen. This is a reckless comment that cannot be ignored.”

 

He added, “It is disgraceful that someone who once served as a parliamentarian—and now governs a state—could utter such inflammatory and undemocratic words. We regard this as a direct threat to the life of Mr. Peter Obi, and we are not taking it lightly. Should anything happen to him, the world will know who to hold accountable.”

 

The group called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately and caution the Edo State governor, stressing that such conduct is contrary to democratic values and not reflective of the President’s character.

 

Okwu also referenced Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, accusing him of similar behavior, and warned that such reckless utterances are becoming a dangerous trend among some members of the ruling APC.

 

He urged the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to assure all Nigerians—especially opposition figures like Peter Obi—of their safety across the country.

 

Furthermore, the Ohanaeze youths appealed to the international community, particularly the United States, the United Kingdom, and their allies, to place a visa ban on Governor Okpebholo, labeling him an anti-democratic actor.

 

“This is not just a threat to Peter Obi; it is a threat to the entire Igbo nation,” Okwu declared. “Why is it always Peter Obi? Is he the only opposition politician in Nigeria? Enough is enough.”

 

He concluded by warning that as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, such undemocratic behavior must be firmly addressed to protect the country’s fragile democracy.