July 19, 2025.
Governor Monday Okpebholo recently told Peter Obi not to visit Edo State again without first informing him. This statement has caused a lot of talk across the country.
As governor, Okpebholo is in charge of protecting lives in the state, especially when important people like Obi come visiting. But many people believe that the way the governor spoke and made the matter public was not the best. His words sounded harsh and may have confused the public.
Governor Okpebholo’s anger came after Peter Obi visited Benin City and gave ₦15 million to St. Philomena’s nursing school. After that visit, there were reports that three people died during some chaos in the city. The governor believes the trouble was connected to Obi’s visit and his generous donation.
Even though the governor is right to care about security, some people feel he should have reached out to Obi privately instead of speaking out in public. That way, they could have handled the situation without creating political tension.
Peter Obi himself once stopped Nasir El-Rufai from moving freely in Anambra State when he (Obi) was governor. El-Rufai was in the state to support a candidate during an election. So, Obi understands why governors need to know when big politicians are visiting their states.
This shows why it’s important for politicians to follow proper procedures and inform each other, especially when someone with a big name like Obi is entering another state. Some people feel that Obi did not respect the governor’s position by visiting without informing him.
However, others are also unhappy with how Governor Okpebholo spoke. He called himself “a new sheriff in town” and said Obi’s safety couldn’t be guaranteed if he came again without permission. Many people feel this kind of talk was too strong and even threatening.
Some critics say the governor’s words go against Nigeria’s constitution, which allows people to move freely around the country. They believe Okpebholo should have handled the matter calmly and privately, instead of using words that could divide people.
But behind all the drama, the governor’s concern about security is real. Edo State has faced violent incidents recently, like mob attacks in Uromi where several people were killed. So the governor wants to avoid any more problems, especially during visits by well-known figures.
That is why Okpebholo is asking for advance notice before anyone important visits the state. He is trying to prevent more violence and keep things under control.
Even though he has a point, how he said it matters too. In a democracy, leaders should handle such issues through proper channels and respectful talks. A private meeting or a letter would have worked better than a public warning. This would have helped the people trust their leaders more.
Okpebholo is right to take his job seriously and protect everyone in Edo State. And Obi, as a former governor and current presidential candidate, also knows how important it is to follow protocols.
The real issue here is how both leaders manage situations like this. They should talk to each other privately and settle things quietly, instead of letting it become a public fight.
In the end, Nigeria needs a clear and formal way for governors to host visiting politicians, no matter which party they belong to. This will help avoid confusion, ensure safety, and protect people’s rights.
If that happens, leaders like Okpebholo and Obi can focus on working together and doing what’s best for the people, instead of exchanging strong words in public.
