Peter Obi’s Edo visit has sparked reactions despite Governor Okpebholo’s warning.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that reactions have continued to trail the visit of Nigerian Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi to Edo State, despite an earlier warning from Governor Monday Okpebholo concerning his entry into the state.
Okpebholo had, on July 18, 2025, warned Obi against visiting Edo without prior notification and security clearance. The governor said at the time that the former Anambra State governor’s security could not be guaranteed if he entered without informing the state authorities. The warning followed Obi’s visit to Benin City, during which he donated ₦15 million to the St Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences. Punch reported that the governor linked that visit to a resurgence of violence in the state.
The warning attracted criticism from Nigerians who maintained that Obi, like every citizen, had a constitutional right to travel freely within the country.
Obi returned to Benin City on Wednesday to join Catholic faithful, members of the clergy and other dignitaries at the funeral rites of the late Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze.
A video shared online showed a large crowd welcoming the opposition politician as his convoy proceeded to the Holy Cross Cathedral for a service of songs. Hundreds of residents reportedly lined the streets at night, while others gathered around his vehicle to take photographs and catch a glimpse of him.
The late archbishop died on July 9, 2026, at the age of 69. His funeral programme included a vigil Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral and other ceremonies in Benin City. Punch confirmed Obi’s attendance at the funeral rites.
His arrival has generated widespread commentary on social media, with several users recalling Okpebholo’s warning and questioning the governor’s silence following the visit.
Television presenter Rufai Oseni wrote on X: “Dear Okpebholo, Obi is in Edo oooo.”
Social media commentator Benkingsley Nwashara said residents came out in large numbers despite the absence of a campaign announcement or organised mobilisation.
“Word quickly spread that Obi was in town. Edo youths left their homes at night, gathered in large numbers, and turned up to welcome and celebrate him.
“No campaign announcement. No mobilisation. They simply heard Peter Obi was around and showed up,” he wrote.
Another commentator, Manju Vic, claimed Obi had defied the earlier warning and received what he described as a triumphant welcome from hundreds of residents.
An X user identified as Freeman also said the crowd’s enthusiasm delayed Obi’s entrance into the venue as supporters attempted to take pictures and move closer to him.
Neither Governor Okpebholo nor the Edo State Government had issued an official response to Obi’s latest visit at the time of filing this report.
