A wave of criticism has erupted across Edo State following Governor Monday Okpebholo's controversial statement threatening to ban Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, from entering the state without his authorization.

The backlash against the governor's remarks has cut across political, religious, and ethnic divides, with residents expressing strong disapproval of what many describe as an unconstitutional stance.

BenriNews reports that Governor Okpebholo made the controversial statement on Friday, July 18, 2025, during the defection ceremony of Marcus Onobun, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker representing Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben federal constituency to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

During his speech, the governor directed Peter Obi not to enter Edo State without informing him, warning that Obi's security would not be guaranteed if he failed to notify him of his presence in the state. Okpebholo emphasized that a new "Sheriff" is in town.

The governor further alleged that following Obi's recent visit to the state and his donation of N15 million to St. Philomena School of Nursing in Benin City, there was a resurgence of violence resulting in the death of three persons.

Prominent Edo Residents React

Among those who have spoken out against the governor's statement are Comrade Tony Erha, a human rights activist and journalist; Murphy Osaro Omoruyi, the Labour Party lawmaker representing Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency; Ogbeide Ifaluyi-isibor, former Commissioner for Digital Economy under the immediate past administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki; Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo, National Coordinator of National Patriotic Advocacy (NATPA); and Rev. Fr. Kevin Oselumhense Anetor, a Catholic Priest and social advocate.

The critics unanimously condemned the governor's statement, describing it as unbecoming of the state's highest political office holder and contrary to the character of Edo people. Many have called on the governor to issue an unreserved apology to the former Anambra State governor.

Tony Erha, despite being a supporter of Governor Okpebholo, distanced himself from the statement, saying: "But I won't support this. 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 for forgiveness."

Constitutional Rights Violation

Murphy Osaro Omoruyi, in a statement titled "Message to Governor Monday Okpebholo on the threat to Mr Peter Obi," described the governor's utterance as "a blatant overreach, an abuse of office, and an infringement on his fundamental rights."

Omoruyi emphasized that Peter Obi, as a respected citizen of Nigeria, is constitutionally guaranteed the freedom of movement like every other Nigerian. He also clarified misconceptions about Obi's character and financial status.

"It was with deep shock and dismay that I came across a trending video featuring the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, wherein he cast aspersions on the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, and the national leader of the Labour Party and Obidient Movement, His Excellency Mr. Peter Gregory Obi," Omoruyi stated.

"Your Excellency alleged that Mr. Peter Obi claimed he is a poor man and has 'no shishi,' a claim that is false and completely unfounded. Mr. Obi has never described himself as a poor man. On the contrary, he has consistently stated that he is a successful businessman and a trader who rose to become the chairman of a bank, and who owns several businesses in Nigeria and abroad," he added.

Call for Focus on Governance

Omoruyi urged the governor to redirect his energy toward addressing the numerous challenges facing Edo State, including insecurity, cultism, the herdsmen crisis, bad roads, flooding, inadequate healthcare and education infrastructure, drug abuse, youth unemployment, and the growing burden of state debt.

"The time for politics is over. We are now in the era of governance. I encourage you, Your Excellency, to focus on delivering the dividends of democracy to the good people of Edo State and to desist from unnecessary distractions," he advised.

Ogbeide Faluyi-Isibor also weighed in, arguing that the governor's threat contradicts the nature of Edo people, who he described as "generally hospitable and very accommodating."

"We are a decent nation congregated by largely educated and exposed people. We do not issue unwarranted threats to friends or even foes," Faluyi-Isibor stated.

He further emphasized that no Nigerian governor has the constitutional power to ban or restrict another citizen from entering any state in the federation, citing Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian citizen the right to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof.

As the controversy continues to generate reactions across the country, many Nigerians are watching to see if Governor Okpebholo will address the criticisms and possibly reconsider his position on the matter.

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