Public reactions have continued to trail the presence of former Anambra State Governor and prominent political figure Peter Obi in Edo State, despite an earlier warning issued by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Governor Okpebholo had cautioned Obi on July 18, 2025, advising him to obtain official security clearance prior to entering Edo State. The governor’s stance sparked swift pushback from critics, rights groups, and political stakeholders, who maintained that Obi retains the constitutional right to travel freely to any part of Nigeria.
Despite the controversy, Obi arrived in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Wednesday to attend a commendation service and funeral ceremonies honoring the late Metropolitan Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze. Joining Catholic faithful, members of the clergy, and other dignitaries, his appearance generated significant public attention across the state.
In a widely shared video, Obi was welcomed into the state by a large crowd of enthusiastic supporters.
Hundreds of residents lined the streets at night as his convoy made its way toward the Holy Cross Cathedral.
The scene triggered widespread reactions on social media, with several users mocking Governor Monday Okpebholo’s previous warning and questioning his silence following Obi’s arrival.
Prominent television anchor Rufai Oseni posted on his official X account: “Dear Okpebholo, Obi is in Edo oooo.”
Similarly, social media commentator Benkingsley Nwashara noted that although Obi’s visit was unannounced, residents turned out in large numbers as word spread. He wrote: “No campaign announcement. No mobilisation. They simply heard Peter Obi was around and showed up.”
Backstory…
Peter Obi’s latest visit to Edo comes against the backdrop of a controversial encounter during his previous visit to the state. In February 2026, Obi was attacked in Benin City while attending an event, an incident he later described as another experience of lawlessness.
The attack renewed attention to an earlier warning from Governor Monday Okpebholo, who had in July 2025 advised Obi to inform the state government before visiting Edo
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