Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has doubled down on his controversial call for former presidential candidate Peter Obi to seek clearance before entering the state, saying the request was a matter of protocol—not politics.
Speaking at the commissioning of the newly rebranded state-owned transport service, New Edo Line, Governor Okpebholo clarified that his earlier statement was neither hostile nor partisan, but rooted in his responsibilities as the state’s chief security officer.
“I only told Mr. Peter Obi to notify me when coming to Edo State. Is that a crime?” Okpebholo asked, addressing the media and attendees. “I have no regrets about it. It is not a threat.”
The statement reignited conversations on political protocol, especially regarding opposition figures navigating states controlled by rival parties.
While critics described the comment as undemocratic, Okpebholo dismissed the backlash.
He further referenced a tragic incident during the 2024 general elections when his police orderly, Inspector Akor Onu, was fatally shot during a campaign event at Benin Airport—an incident he claims could have been prevented if proper security coordination had occurred.
“I know what I went through. My own orderly died. That experience taught me the importance of following security protocols,” the governor emphasized.
READ ALSO: Gov Okpebholo’s Warning to Peter Obi Not Threat — Edo Govt
Reacting to online criticism that he targeted Obi due to Labour Party’s “no shishi” slogan (a declaration of running campaigns without massive financial influence), Okpebholo responded sharply:
“Is it because I said they don’t have shishi? But they say it themselves—so why are they crying?”
At the event, Okpebholo also revealed that the creation of New Edo Line was made possible by an increase in the state’s monthly federal allocation.
The move is seen as part of his broader effort to boost public transportation and economic mobility in Edo.
Also present was the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who backed the governor’s security stance, adding weight to the debate around managing high-profile visits.
As the 2027 elections begin to shape Nigeria’s political terrain, statements like these underline the evolving dynamics between state governors and national political figures.