A wave of criticism has trailed a controversial remark by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in which he threatened to bar Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), from entering Edo State without his authorization.

 

The governor’s comments, which were made on Friday, July 18, during the defection of PDP lawmaker Marcus Onobun to the APC, have drawn widespread condemnation across political, religious, and civil society lines.

 

During his remarks, Okpebholo warned that Obi’s security would not be guaranteed if he re-entered the state without prior notice, declaring himself the new “Sheriff in town.” He further alleged that Obi’s recent visit to the state and his ₦15 million donation to St. Philomena School of Nursing in Benin City coincided with renewed violence that claimed three lives.

 

Public Figures Condemn Governor’s Statement

 

The governor’s statement has been sharply criticized by prominent voices in the state, including:

 

Comrade Tony Erha, human rights activist and journalist

 

Murphy Osaro Omoruyi, Labour Party lawmaker representing Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency

 

Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, former Commissioner for Digital Economy under Governor Obaseki

 

Rev. Fr. Kevin Oselumhense Anetor, Catholic priest and social advocate

 

Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo (a.k.a Figo), National Coordinator of the National Patriotic Advocacy (NATPA)

 

Collectively, these voices described the governor’s comments as reckless, unconstitutional, and deeply uncharacteristic of the hospitable nature of the Edo people.

 

“Unbecoming of a Leader” — Tony Erha

 

Tony Erha, although a supporter of Governor Okpebholo, distanced himself from the governor’s threats.

 

“He made a reckless and unfortunate statement. It wasn’t good enough coming from a governor, who is supposedly a fatherly figure to all. He should apologize to Edo and Nigerian people,” he said.

 

 

 

“Blatant Overreach” — MP Omoruyi Responds

 

In a strongly worded statement titled “Message to Governor Monday Okpebholo on the Threat to Mr Peter Obi”, Hon. Murphy Osaro Omoruyi described the governor’s remarks as an “abuse of office” and a “violation of constitutional rights.”

 

“Peter Obi, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally guaranteed the right to move freely across the country. To threaten his security or demand clearance for his visit is not only unlawful—it is disgraceful,” he said.

 

Omoruyi added that the governor should channel his energy toward combating insecurity, cultism, and poor infrastructure, rather than chasing political opponents.

 

“This Is Not Who We Are”, Ifaluyi-Isibor Weighs In

 

Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor emphasized that Okpebholo’s comments do not reflect the values of Edo people.

 

“We are a decent and accommodating people. The governor’s words were completely out of line and do not represent who we are as a people,” he stated, calling the governor “an exception, not a reflection” of the Edo electorate.

 

He also reminded the public that Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of movement to all Nigerians, stressing that no governor has the constitutional authority to restrict any citizen’s entry into a state.

“State governors are not feudal lords. They do not control borders or immigration. Only a court of law, through due process, can restrict movement,” he added.

 

 

Religious and civil society leaders echoed similar sentiments, urging Governor Okpebholo to tender an unreserved public apology to Mr. Peter Obi and the people of Edo State. They also called on him to prioritize governance over political distractions.

 

Observers note that Okpebholo’s statement may backfire politically and damage Edo State’s image as a tolerant, progressive, and inclusive society.

As criticisms mount, the pressure is on Governor Okpebholo to clarify or retract his controversial comments. In a democratic society governed by the rule of law, no individual—regardless of office—is above the Constitution. The people of Edo, known for their hospitality and intellectual vibrancy, deserve leadership that upholds those ideals.