-
Okpebholo mocks former Anambra governor Peter Obi as a “baby politician” during an interview with Symfoni Television.
-
Edo governor links Obi’s July 2025 visit to a Benin City nursing school to an alleged violent clash in which he claims someone died.
-
Okpebholo accuses Obi of arriving in Edo with thugs and alleges that a disagreement over money triggered the deadly violence.
-
Governor insists Obi must notify the state government before future visits, offering security protection but warning him against bringing thugs.
November 15, (THEWILL) – Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has described former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, as a “baby politician”, accusing him of bringing political thugs into the state during a previous visit which he alleged was followed by deadly violence.
Okpebholo made the remarks during an interview with Symfoni Television, shared on YouTube on Saturday, November 14, while defending his administration’s security requirements for prominent political figures visiting the state.
The governor revisited Obi’s July 7, 2025, visit to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences in Benin City, where the former Anambra governor donated N15 million towards the completion of projects at the institution.
Obi’s visit had generated controversy after Okpebholo questioned why the former governor entered the state without prior notification to his administration, insisting that such visits required adequate security coordination.
During the interview, Okpebholo alleged that Obi arrived at the institution with individuals he described as thugs and that a disagreement among members of the entourage over money subsequently escalated into a fight in which someone died.
“He went there with thugs. And by the time he was leaving, he did not settle them. He gave money to just one person, and they started fighting. Somebody died. Somebody died. He knows. Ask him”, the governor said.
Okpebholo did not provide further details of the alleged incident during the interview but maintained that the circumstances surrounding the visit reinforced his concerns about security arrangements for political visitors.
READ ALSO:
Okpebholo Defends Security Requirements
The governor insisted that his position on Obi’s visits was informed by his constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property in Edo State.
He maintained that prominent political figures must notify the state government ahead of their visits to enable security agencies to make adequate arrangements and prevent potential breaches of public peace.
Okpebholo, however, said he had no objection to Obi visiting the state or conducting political activities, including campaigns, provided the necessary security arrangements were observed.
He specifically offered to provide security for the former Anambra governor whenever he visits Edo State but warned against bringing individuals he described as thugs.
“I want to protect him. Even when he’s coming tomorrow, and he called me to say, ‘I am coming to your state. I want to come and campaign.’ Oya, come and campaign. I will give you security. Don’t take thugs”, he said.
The governor said his administration would not compromise on security, stressing that the safety of residents and visitors remained a responsibility of his government.
Background To Obi’s Visit
Obi visited St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences in Benin City on July 7, 2025, as part of his philanthropic interventions in educational and healthcare institutions across the country.
During the visit, he donated ₦15 million towards the completion of projects at the nursing school.
The visit subsequently became a subject of controversy after Okpebholo questioned the former governor’s failure to notify his administration before entering the state.
The Edo governor had also linked the visit to subsequent violence in Benin City, raising concerns about the security implications of political figures undertaking public engagements without prior coordination with the state government.
Obi’s visit to the institution was presented as a philanthropic intervention aimed at supporting education and healthcare development.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.