Edo Governor Faces Backlash Over Attempt to Ban Peter Obi’s Visit as Labour Party, CSOs Reject Claim
Rewritten Story:
Edo Labour Party, CSOs Condemn Governor Okpebholo’s Attempt to Ban Peter Obi From State
A political storm has erupted in Edo State following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s controversial statement restricting Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from visiting the state without his approval.
The governor, during a recent outburst, claimed that Obi’s June 7 visit to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences in Benin—where the former Anambra State governor donated N15 million—allegedly led to unrest that resulted in the deaths of three people.
“There’s a new sheriff in town. He cannot just come into Edo without informing me. His security will not be guaranteed,” Governor Okpebholo stated, warning that Obi would have himself to blame if anything happened during any future visit without clearance.
The governor’s remarks have sparked widespread outrage, with the Labour Party, civil society groups, and citizens condemning what they describe as an unconstitutional attempt to restrict a Nigerian citizen’s freedom of movement.
Labour Party Counters Okpebholo’s Claim
Reacting to the development, Edo State Labour Party Chairman, Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi, rejected the governor’s claims, stating there was no reported violence linked to Obi’s visit.
“There is no record of any unrest or fatalities related to Obi’s visit. If such an incident occurred, the public would be aware,” Ogbaloi said. He added that any recent violence in Edo should be attributed to the ongoing internal political battles within the state government, not Obi’s peaceful activities.
Ogbaloi also stressed that the governor has no legal grounds to restrict the former presidential candidate’s movement, noting that such a directive contradicts Nigeria’s constitutional provisions.
“Obi is a national figure and cannot be restricted from visiting any part of the country. If the governor had issues of protocol, he could have addressed them more respectfully, not with threats,” he added.
Civil Society Organizations Reject the Governor’s Threat
Human rights groups and civil society organizations have also condemned Governor Okpebholo’s remarks, describing them as an affront to constitutional rights.
Goodluck Ibem, President General of the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), said no governor has the authority to stop any Nigerian from entering a state.
“The freedom of movement is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution. No political leader can revoke that right for any citizen based on political sentiments,” Ibem stated.
He warned that such rhetoric undermines national unity and democratic values. “Restricting access to any part of Nigeria on the basis of political rivalry is dangerous and unconstitutional. It promotes division and intolerance.”
Ibem called on political leaders to uphold democratic principles and focus on unity rather than promoting divisive narratives.
Charly Boy, Others React
Nigerian music legend and activist, Charles Oputa (Charly Boy), also weighed in, describing Governor Okpebholo’s stance as “very unserious.”
Charly Boy, a vocal supporter of Peter Obi, said the governor’s comments reflect arrogance and abuse of power.
As criticism continues to mount, many observers believe Governor Okpebholo’s remarks could deepen political tensions in Edo State and damage the democratic image of his administration.
The situation underscores growing concern over the rising politicization of public space and the need for leaders to respect the fundamental rights of all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation.
