Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has denied accusations that he threatened Labour Party leader and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, over a planned visit to Edo.

Responding to backlash from Obi’s supporters and lawmakers, Okpebholo stated that his comments were misinterpreted and taken out of context. According to him, he never issued any threat but was simply emphasizing the need for high-profile political figures to follow due security procedures when visiting the state.

“As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, my duty is to protect lives and property. Asking for proper notification before visits is a matter of safety, not politics,” the governor explained through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.

He noted that Edo State, like many parts of Nigeria, has faced serious security challenges, including kidnappings and attacks on religious leaders. For this reason, Okpebholo said public events involving prominent personalities must be well coordinated to prevent exposing the public or the visitor to unnecessary risks.

Citing recent incidents involving the abduction of Catholic clergy and other faith leaders in Edo, the governor warned that public donations and gatherings should be approached with caution. He urged leaders to consider discretion, referencing a biblical principle from Matthew 6:2–4 that encourages giving in private to avoid drawing attention.

“Public acts of generosity are noble, but in today’s volatile environment, they must be handled wisely. My statement was guided by both security intelligence and moral responsibility,” he added.

Okpebholo also dismissed comparisons to past incidents, saying he has no intention of politicizing security issues. He insisted that his government welcomes all Nigerians but expects them to cooperate with established protocols.

He concluded by assuring the public that his administration is committed to restoring safety across Edo and urged political leaders to avoid misrepresenting his intentions for political gain.