In what many Nigerians have now dubbed “Governor’s Gatekeeping Drama,” the newly sworn-in Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has stirred the hornet’s nest by declaring that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, cannot enter Edo without his permission.
Yes, you heard right — no pass, no entry. And if you’re wondering whether Edo State has suddenly turned into a private estate with security guards at the gate, you’re not alone.
Governor Okpebholo, who seems to have taken his new role a little too literally, recently warned that Obi’s security cannot be guaranteed if he enters the state without approval. He even went as far as blaming the former Anambra governor’s June 7 visit to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing — where Obi donated a generous ₦15 million for ongoing projects — for violence that reportedly led to three deaths in Benin.
“There’s a new sheriff in town,” Okpebholo thundered. “If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame.”
That declaration has since been met with sharp backlash — from political watchers, civil society groups, “Obidients” (Obi’s loyal supporters), and even entertainers like Charly Boy, who called the governor “very unserious.” And let’s be honest, when Charly Boy calls you unserious, it’s time to rethink your life decisions.
LP to Gov: “No Be Obi Cause Wahala, Na Court Drama!”
The Labour Party in Edo State wasted no time in pushing back. According to the party’s chairman, Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi, blaming Obi for any unrest in the state is like blaming rain for bad roads. “We’ve not heard of any deaths linked to Obi’s visit. If there’s violence, it’s because of the political court battles happening in Edo,” he said.
Ogbaloi insisted that Peter Obi, being a national figure and respected politician, does not need permission from any governor to visit any state. “We’re not in a military regime,” he added, “and this is not a monarchy where the king must be notified before a citizen enters town.”
He made it clear: the governor’s comments reek more of protocol pride than any real concern for security. “If it’s about courtesy, fine. But threatening someone’s movement? That’s constitutional overstepping.”
CSOs and Citizens React: “This Is Not Okpebholo’s Edo Republic!”
The backlash didn’t stop with political parties. Civil society organisations and everyday Nigerians alike have taken serious offence to what they see as an abuse of office.
Goodluck Ibem, President of the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), gave a no-nonsense response: “No governor has the constitutional power to bar a citizen from entering any part of Nigeria. That kind of statement is undemocratic and dangerous.”
He added that the governor’s remarks could fuel political division at a time when Nigerians need unity, not ego-driven restrictions. “We must resist this kind of behaviour before it becomes the new normal,” Ibem said.
Obi: A Man With Quiet Impact
Let’s rewind a bit. What exactly did Peter Obi do to deserve such fire and brimstone? The former governor had quietly visited a school of nursing in Benin, dropped a ₦15 million donation for infrastructure, and left without fanfare. No sirens. No camera crew. No political rally. Just the usual Peter Obi style — low key, high impact.
That’s the kind of visit that usually brings joy to a community, not chaos.
Nigerians Online: “Who Dey Fear Obi Like This?”
Social media platforms have since gone agog with reactions. One user wrote, “If Governor Okpebholo is this scared of Obi visiting a hospital, what will happen if Obi decides to launch a road project?”
Another added, “We thought we voted for leaders, not landlords.”
And then there’s the humour. “So now, to visit Edo, Peter Obi must write an application to His Excellency the Gatekeeper?” one user tweeted, with a laughing emoji.
What’s Really Going On?
Behind all the drama is a deeper political tension brewing in Edo. With the 2024 governorship election around the corner, power plays are intensifying. Obi’s visit — though not political — may have rattled some feathers in a state where Labour Party is increasingly becoming a force to reckon with.
But whether it was insecurity, protocol, or plain political fear that triggered Governor Okpebholo’s fiery comment, one thing is clear: Nigerians are not buying it.
If anything, this incident has once again highlighted the importance of constitutional rights, respect for democracy, and the dangers of mixing personal ego with public office.
Because truly, in a country where citizens are still struggling with inflation, insecurity, and japa dreams, the last thing we need is a governor playing immigration officer.
As we say in Nigeria: “Make una no use power do pass una power.”
