Senator Adams Oshiomhole has dismissed claims that Governor Monday Okpebholo issued a threat to former presidential candidate Peter Obi, insisting the governor’s remark was misinterpreted by the media.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time, the former Edo State governor said the backlash that followed Okpebholo’s warning was exaggerated and lacked context.
“I think the media tried to exaggerate it,” Oshiomhole said. “The governor only expressed concerns over protocol and public safety, not hostility.”
Governor Okpebholo had raised eyebrows after stating that Obi must obtain security clearance before future visits to Edo State. The statement followed the Labour Party leader’s visit to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences in Benin on June 7, during which he reportedly donated ₦15 million.
“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from?” the governor queried. “After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance.”
The governor’s comment drew heavy criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups, who accused him of issuing threats against a major opposition figure.
However, Oshiomhole insisted that Okpebholo’s remarks should not be taken as a personal attack. Drawing from his own political experience, he said informing a state government before visiting is not mandatory, but is advisable.
“There’s no law that says you must notify a sitting governor,” he explained. “But I’ve done it before. It’s simply about discipline and respect. I visited Enugu once and made sure I informed the state government, not because I was obliged to, but because it’s good protocol.”
Oshiomhole also stressed that Obi’s safety is important to all Nigerians, and no political officeholder should be seen as encouraging violence.
Peter Obi, reacting earlier in the week, dismissed fears over his personal safety, stating, “I am not afraid of visiting any part of Nigeria.”
