According to a report by TVC News on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has addressed the recent controversy surrounding his comments to Labour Party stalwart and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi. Okpebholo clarified that his cautionary advice to Obi was not politically motivated but grounded in genuine security concerns.
Speaking during a public engagement, the Edo governor emphasized that political discourse in the state should remain focused on developmental priorities rather than unnecessary distractions. He noted that his warning to Obi ahead of a planned visit to the state had sparked reactions, but insisted that his intentions were misinterpreted.
He then shared a personal and harrowing experience to illustrate the risks involved. Upon arriving at Benin Airport during the previous administration, he recalled being warned by the police commissioner under Governor Godwin Obaseki to stay put due to intelligence on security threats. Choosing to ignore that advice, he left the airport, and tragically, a police officer in his convoy was shot and killed at the airport’s gate.
“I have the security report. This is not about politics, it’s about caution,” he reiterated. “If Peter Obi likes, he can take the advice. If not, it’s his choice.”
Okpebholo urged the public to move beyond irrelevant narratives and instead focus on the needs of Edo people, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to safety and good governance. His remarks highlight the often complex intersection between politics, security, and public responsibility in Nigeria’s democratic space.
