Ohanaeze youths demand visa ban on Edo Governor Okpebholo over threat to Peter Obi

Summary

• Governor Monday Okpebholo allegedly threatened Peter Obi’s safety during a political rally
• Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council calls the statement an “assassination threat” and urges sanctions
• Labour Party, CUPP, ADC, and other groups condemn the governor’s remarks as unconstitutional
• Calls for investigation and presidential intervention grow as public outcry intensifies

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has called on the United States, United Kingdom, and their allies to impose a visa ban on Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, following a controversial statement he made during a political rally on July 18, 2025, in Benin City.

In a now-viral video, the governor warned Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, not to visit Edo State without prior clearance, saying Obi’s safety would not be guaranteed if he failed to comply.

The governor, speaking at an APC rally where he received a defecting lawmaker, Marcus Onobun, linked Obi’s recent ₦15 million donation to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing to a violent outbreak in Benin, which he claimed resulted in three deaths. The remarks sparked immediate backlash across the political spectrum.

Reacting, Ohanaeze Youth Council President Mazi Okwu Nnabuike described the governor’s words as an assassination threat and a blatant attack on democratic values and the Igbo community. He demanded action from President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), warning that such threats violate Section 41(1) of Nigeria’s Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to move freely.

The group further framed the call for visa bans as a deterrent against political intimidation, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While the incident has drawn condemnation from Labour Party lawmakers, the Obidient Movement, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Labour Party Senate Caucus called for a full investigation, asserting that Obi’s humanitarian gestures should not be politicised or criminalised.

In Edo State, reactions from residents and opposition politicians have also been sharp. Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s 2024 governorship candidate, joined calls for the governor to apologise or clarify his remarks.

Meanwhile, social media users have described Okpebholo’s comments as undemocratic and dangerous, with posts like that of @SirOdigie on X backing Ohanaeze’s push for international sanctions.

The controversy echoes a similar incident involving Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, who was also accused of threatening Obi.

The Ohanaeze Youth Council sees these actions as part of a coordinated campaign against Obi, questioning why he appears to be singled out among opposition leaders.

As of press time, Governor Okpebholo has not retracted or clarified his statements, and the issue continues to fuel national debate over political tolerance, freedom of movement, and democratic rights in Nigeria.