Popular actress Destiny Etiko, blogger Tunde Ednut, and Davido’s aide, Isreal DMW, have condemned Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, over his controversial warning to Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The backlash follows a viral video in which Governor Okpebholo declared that Obi must seek official clearance before visiting Edo State or risk being held responsible for his own safety.
“There’s a new sheriff in town. He cannot just come into Edo without informing me. His security will not be guaranteed. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking,” the governor said at a political gathering.
The statement has drawn swift criticism online, with many accusing the governor of issuing a veiled threat.
Isreal DMW took to Instagram to question the legitimacy of Okpebholo’s authority, branding him an “INEC AND SUPREME COURT GOVERNOR.”
Destiny Etiko also weighed in with a sharp rhetorical question: “As who?”—casting doubt on the governor’s power to make such a demand.
Tunde Ednut, known for his outspoken political views, described the governor’s tone as reckless and dangerous.
“Who talks like this? Is this not a threat?” he asked in a post. “All these behaviors have to stop before it totally crashes our country… They are afraid he’s gonna steal votes.”
The controversy erupted after Peter Obi’s July 7 visit to Benin City, during which he donated N15 million to St. Philomena’s School of Nursing.
Governor Okpebholo linked the visit to unrest that reportedly left three people dead, questioning both the motive behind the visit and the source of Obi’s donation.
“He came the other day and gave out N15 million. A man who claims to have no money, where did he get that from? After he left, there was unrest in Benin, and three people lost their lives,” Okpebholo alleged.
Since assuming office in November 2024 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Okpebholo has faced increasing scrutiny, particularly as the September 2025 governorship election draws closer.
Critics argue that his comments reflect a growing political intolerance and pose a threat to democratic norms.
As of press time, the governor has not retracted his statement. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting from civil society groups and political observers who have described his remarks as undemocratic and dangerous.
