Reactions as 'Illiterate' Gov Okpebholo Bars Peter Obi from Edo State

Reactions have trailed the Governor Monday Okpebholo, declaration that Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party should not visit Edo State without his approval.

Reacting to the development, Obi's followers, the Obidents, lashed out on the Edo Governor, ascribing many derogatory names on him. While some said he is an illiterate, others described him as a puppet and a political mandate snatcher.

Recall that Governor Okpebholo had failed to pronounce figures contained in the 2025 budget estimate he present to the state House of Assembly and said "it's confusing me."

Okpebholo's ban follows a similar action by Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State earlier this year when Obi had planned visiting Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camp in Benue state but was stopped by the Benue Governor.

Both the Benue and Edo states governors were elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Obi has been visiting several places where he carries out his humanitarian works.

However, addressing a gathering of political supporters in a video that has since gone viral on social media, the Edo governor made it clear that Obi's security would not be assured should he enter Edo State without officially informing the state government.

“This message is for the man who claims he has no ‘shishi’,” Governor Okpebholo said, using the local slang for money.

“There’s a new sheriff in town. He cannot just come into Edo without informing me. His security will not be guaranteed. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking,” he warned.

The governor also referenced a previous visit by Obi, during which he allegedly donated N15 million. 

He questioned the source of the funds, pointing out the contradiction between Obi’s public statements and his financial contributions.

“He came the other day and gave out N15 million. A man who claims to have no money, where did he get that from?” Okpebholo asked. 

“After he left, there was unrest in Benin, and three people lost their lives. That’s why I’m saying this: tell Obi not to step into Edo without informing me first.”