Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has warned former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, against visiting the state without prior security clearance a pronouncement that has since drawn criticism from legal experts and political observers.

Governor Okpebholo issued the warning on Friday during a political event in Benin City to formally welcome Hon. Marcus Onobun, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker, into the All Progressives Congress (APC). The governor accused Obi of triggering unrest during a recent visit, alleging that it led to violence and loss of lives.

“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance,” the governor declared.

His remarks, however, sparked controversy across legal and civil society circles. Prominent lawyers have criticized the governor’s directive, arguing that he lacks the constitutional authority to impose such a restriction on any Nigerian citizen, including Peter Obi.

“Governor Okpebholo cannot unilaterally bar a citizen from entering any part of Nigeria, including Edo State. Such a directive is not only illegal but sets a dangerous precedent,” one constitutional lawyer stated, warning that the comment could be interpreted as incitement against particular ethnic groups, especially the Igbo community, to which Obi belongs.

Observers also pointed out the irony in Okpebholo’s stance, recalling his own time in the National Assembly as a senator before becoming governor. They argue that his current rhetoric contradicts the democratic principles he once represented.

At the event, Governor Okpebholo also declared that the APC had firmly taken over the political structure in the state, asserting that Edo would deliver 2.5 million votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

“We are not lobbying anyone to join APC; they are coming because they see the results of our governance. In 2027, 2.5 million votes from Edo are guaranteed for President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

Dismissing the influence of opposition leaders and what he termed “social media popularity,” Okpebholo accused former national leaders of contributing to Nigeria’s insecurity and infrastructural decay.

“Some of them stole railway funds. Some were Senate Presidents who couldn’t build roads to their own villages. They sold off Nigeria’s assets and allowed Boko Haram and kidnappers to flourish. Now they want to form new political parties today SDP, tomorrow ADC. We don’t need insecurity merchants,” he alleged.

Hon. Marcus Onobun, who now represents Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, said his defection to the APC was both ideological and strategic.

“I led the campaign for an Esan Governor. Now that we have one, I cannot remain in the opposition. I’ve seen what Governor Okpebholo is doing, and Edo people are witnesses. I am back home to support him so our people can benefit more,” Onobun stated.

Lawyers have noted that this is not the first time a governor from an APC-controlled state has made such a controversial remark. They recalled a similar comment made by the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, suggesting a pattern of intolerance. Analysts argue that such statements reflect a troubling disregard for democratic norms, warning that governors have no legal authority to bar any Nigerian citizen from entering a state. They also stated that such comments pose a threat to ongoing agitations for state police.

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