VIDEO: Okpebholo warns Obi: ‘Don’t visit Edo again without my approval’

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a warning to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, stating that Obi is not welcome to visit Edo State without obtaining prior approval.

This marks the second instance of Obi receiving such a warning from states governed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), even when his intended visits have been for humanitarian purposes.

In a video addressing political supporters, Governor Okpebholo indicated that Obi’s security protection would not be guaranteed in Edo if he visits without explicit approval.

“This is to the man who says he has no ‘shishi’ (money),” Governor Okpebholo stated in the widely circulated social media video. “I am sending a direct message to him. There is a new sheriff in town. He cannot come to Edo without telling me, because his security will never be guaranteed. Whatever happens to him when he is in Edo State, he will take it. I am serious about it.”

Okpebholo further elaborated, referencing a previous visit by Obi: “He came the other day and donated N15 million. Somebody who said he didn’t have ‘shishi’ (money), where did he get N15 million to donate to people? By the time he left, there was a crisis. Three people died in Benin. So, for that reason, tell Obi that he should not come to Edo without telling me.”

This warning follows a similar incident in April when Obi was reportedly advised against entering Benue State. At that time, Obi had intended to visit a camp for internally displaced persons affected by herdsmen attacks.

Kula Tersoo, Chief Press Secretary to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, had stated then: “The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, wishes to inform the public that he is not expecting any August visitor to the state today (April 14). He is currently engaged in high-profile meetings with key state actors to discuss critical issues affecting our state. Therefore, he strongly advises against any group or high-profile individual(s) attempting to enter the state for any kind of visit that may generate political assemblies without prior approval.”

See Akpakomiza threatening Peter Obi o. 😀😀

See the watery points he’s making.

Edo people, be advising your Governor na. pic.twitter.com/hv13PKmpW1

— Morris Monye (@Morris_Monye) July 18, 2025