The Edo State Government has stepped forward to clarify the intentions behind a controversial remark made by Governor Monday Okpebholo, where he cautioned Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, not to enter the state without informing him.
The statement, which triggered widespread backlash on social media, was made by Okpebholo while receiving political defectors on Friday. Many Nigerians saw the comment as undemocratic — a power move that ignored constitutional freedoms.
But in a bid to douse tensions, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, issued a statement emphasizing that Governor Okpebholo meant no disrespect to Obi or the people of Nigeria. Instead, he said the comment was simply a matter of official protocol, not a political jab.
“Where misunderstandings arise, it is the responsibility of leaders to clarify, not to condemn,” the statement read. “The governor’s comment was not an attack. It was a statement borne out of official protocol, not personal bias.”
A Call for Calm, Not Controversy
Itua stressed that Governor Okpebholo holds deep respect for Peter Obi and for all Nigerian leaders, regardless of political affiliation. He urged citizens to resist the temptation to misinterpret the comment or use it to stoke division.
“Let this moment not divide us but deepen our resolve for understanding. Let it remind us that even in disagreement, we must preserve our common humanity,” the governor’s spokesman added.
The controversy has reignited broader conversations around federalism, freedom of movement, and inter-party relations in Nigeria. Critics argue that no Nigerian leader should make statements that appear to undermine constitutional rights, even if unintentionally.
Still, the Edo government’s swift clarification reflects a maturing democratic space — where leaders are learning to own their words, explain their intentions, and choose dialogue over defiance.
As the dust settles, many are watching to see if this incident becomes a moment of reflection, not rivalry — and a reminder that leadership is not about ego, but empathy.
