Renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has called on Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to withdraw a perceived threat against former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and issue a public apology, in a statement released on July 20, 2025.
The demand follows Okpebholo’s remarks on July 18 during a political rally in Uromi, where he warned that Obi must seek security clearance before visiting Edo State, alleging that Obi’s previous visit on July 7 led to violence and three deaths. Okpebholo questioned the source of Obi’s N15 million donation to a local hospital, suggesting illicit funding.
Falana, citing Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, labeled the governor’s statement a violation of Obi’s right to life and security, a fundamental duty of government under Section 14(2)(b). He urged Okpebholo to assure Obi’s safety and retract the “illegal threat,” warning that failure to do so could prompt Obi to seek legal redress at the Federal High Court in Benin.
The controversy has sparked outrage among Obi’s supporters, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accusing Okpebholo of intimidation. The Edo State government clarified that the comment was a security protocol, not a threat, but tensions persist as the political climate heats up ahead of local elections.
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