‘You detained El-Rufai when he visited Anambra,’ Okpebholo fights back criticisms trailing message to Peter Obi

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has refuted claims that he threatened Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, following the latter’s recent visit to the state.

Obi had visited Benin on July 7, 2025, where he donated ₦15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences to support ongoing projects.

Governor Okpebholo, however, criticised the timing of Obi’s visit, linking it to a resurgence of violence in the state. He had previously stated that the former Anambra governor should not return to Edo without prior notice or would “face the consequences.”

The governor’s comments triggered widespread criticism from various quarters, including prominent individuals and social media users.

But in a statement released Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo said his remarks had been taken out of context.

“The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to various misinterpretations surrounding the recent remarks made by His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, regarding the visit of Mr. Peter Obi to the State.

“It is imperative to state clearly that the Governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr. Obi, but rather emphasized the need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from the Governor before embarking on any public engagements within the State.

“As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, it is the Governor’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of all residents and visitors alike.

“This duty includes ensuring that adequate security measures are put in place during high-profile visits or events that may attract large crowds or media attention.

“When such protocols are ignored, it creates serious security vulnerabilities, not only for the visitor but also for citizens who may be caught in avoidable threats,” the statement read in part.

The statement also pointed to recent incidents of violence targeting religious figures to justify the need for security oversight.

“In today’s volatile security environment, this wisdom cannot be overstated. Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, detained Nasir El-Rufai when he visited.

“Furthermore, the Governor’s concerns should not be twisted for political mileage by individuals seeking to score cheap points.

“The State Government will not fold its arms and allow politically motivated activities to endanger lives. We expect leaders, no matter how highly placed, to align with the protocols and security realities of the areas they visit.

“Governor Okpebholo is committed to a safe and inclusive Edo State for all. His administration is working tirelessly to address the insecurity it inherited, and his call for coordination and orderliness should be seen as a measure of responsible governance, not hostility.”