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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has clarified recent remarks he made regarding Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, stating that his comments were not a personal attack or threat but a matter of standard protocol and security.
Speaking at a defection rally in Uromi on Friday, July 18, Governor Okpebholo had stated that Peter Obi should not enter Edo State without prior clearance from the government a comment that sparked backlash across social media and political circles.
In a statement released on Saturday, July 20, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, emphasized that the directive was rooted in security protocol and not political animosity.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, it is the Governor’s constitutional duty to safeguard the lives and property of residents and visitors alike,” the statement read. “This includes ensuring proper security arrangements for high-profile visits, which, if ignored, could expose both the guest and the public to unnecessary risk.”
The state government highlighted recent security concerns, particularly the rise in abductions and attacks on religious leaders within the region, as the basis for its caution. Edo has experienced a number of tragic incidents in recent years, including the abduction of seminarians and the killing of clergy.
On the matter of public donations, which was also raised during the governor’s speech, the statement urged high-profile individuals to exercise discretion and consult with relevant authorities before making public contributions to churches, hospitals, or faith-based institutions.
“While such gestures are noble, publicizing them without security coordination can inadvertently endanger recipients. The governor’s comments are not only informed by intelligence but also draw from biblical teachings encouraging private, humble giving,” the CPS noted, referencing Matthew 6:2–4.
Addressing the political undertones of the controversy, the statement said the governor’s comments should not be misconstrued or weaponized.
“Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, once detained Nasir El-Rufai during a visit,” it added, referencing a past incident. “We will not allow politically motivated actions to compromise the safety of our citizens. Regardless of status, all leaders are expected to observe local protocols and security measures when visiting the state.”
The Edo State Government maintained that its priority is the protection of lives and maintaining order, urging the public to view the governor’s stance through the lens of responsibility rather than partisanship.
