Ogona Anita
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has come under fire following a statement he made concerning Peter Obi’s recent visit to Benin City, where the former Labour Party presidential candidate donated N15 million to St. Philomena Nursing School.
In a video circulating on social media, the governor—speaking partly in Pidgin English—issued what many consider a threat. He warned that Peter Obi should not return to Edo without first informing him, otherwise his safety would not be guaranteed.
“The man wey say him no get shishi, I am sending a direct message to him. He cannot come to Edo without telling me, because his security will never be guaranteed. Whatever happens to him when he’s in Edo State, he will take it. I’m serious about it,” the governor said.
He also questioned the source of Obi’s donation. “He came the other day and donated N15 million, somebody wey say im no get shishi, where im take get N15 million to donate to people?” Okpebholo added. “By the time he left, there was crisis, three people died in Benin. So for that reason, tell Obi he should not come to Edo without telling me.”
The governor’s comments have sparked a wave of condemnation on X (formerly Twitter), with many users describing his remarks as uncalled for and even dangerous.
@LaughNLearnX wrote, “Is this really a governor? Why is he addressing the public in Pidgin? Why should anyone need permission to enter a state?”
@Adukeadexoxo said, “A man donated ₦15 million to support education—something the government should be doing—and instead of appreciation, he’s being threatened. This is why progress in Nigeria feels impossible.”
@flourish007 added, “Someone used his own money to donate to an institution in your state, and you’re crying about it. Nigeria is in ruins under these incompetent leaders.”
@RealDamola described it as “the height of irresponsibility,” while @ezzytohbahdt sarcastically commented, “The last time I went to Edo state, I didn’t inform Adams Oshiomhole.”
Others pointed to a pattern of hostility toward Obi from political figures.
@SeaJustified tweeted, “First it was Benue State governor, now Edo. Very soon, all the APC governors licking Tinubu’s ass will ban Obi from entering their states.”
@Omoluabi72 reminded the public, “Obi is just an ordinary citizen of Nigeria, not a Minister or an office holder that needs the Governor’s consent before entering the State
Criticism also came regarding the crowd supporting the governor. @Curtis_jossh wrote, “I just laugh whenever I remember this is the person Edo populace voted for. Look at the people cheering him on—they have no shame.”
Some users mocked the governor’s misunderstanding of the figures. @Snillocbaba said, “This governor could not differentiate between 15 million and 1.5 million. He repeated it twice.”
@Milliano_xo shared frustration, “I hate that I’m from the same country with this kind of people dawg.”
Despite the governor’s stance, many Edo residents and Nigerians across the country have voiced support for Peter Obi and reaffirmed his right to move freely within the country.
@OkungbowaJosep2 said, “We Edo people nor send am message ooo. Obi is highly welcome to Edo State—na mouth the governor dey.”
Critics say the governor’s words reflect a troubling trend in Nigerian politics where opposition figures face intimidation for engaging in non-political activities such as charitable donations.
Whether the governor will clarify or retract his statements remains to be seen, but the incident has further intensified conversations about leadership, free speech, and political maturity in Nigeria.
