Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to immediately withdraw what he described as a threat to the life and safety of Labour Party leader and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The controversy stems from remarks reportedly made by Governor Okpebholo during a political rally in Uromi, where he allegedly declared that Peter Obi “cannot just come into Edo without informing me,” adding that “his security will not be guaranteed. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking.”
In a strongly worded statement, Falana condemned the governor’s comments as “reckless, unconstitutional, and dangerous,” warning that they could incite political violence and violate fundamental human rights.
Citing Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, Section 14(2)(b) on the government’s duty to ensure the security of its citizens, and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Falana demanded that Governor Okpebholo:
Publicly withdraw the statement
Issue a formal apology to Peter Obi
Guarantee Obi’s safety within Edo State
The senior advocate warned that if the governor fails to meet these demands, Obi should approach the Federal High Court in Benin to file a fundamental rights enforcement suit.
Falana noted the urgency of the matter, given Nigeria’s troubling history with politically motivated violence, mob attacks, and extrajudicial killings. “No Nigerian citizen requires permission from a state governor to visit any part of the country,” he added.
The governor’s remarks have since sparked widespread outrage, with civil society groups and political observers warning of rising political intolerance and threats to democratic freedoms.
As of press time, Governor Okpebholo has not publicly responded to Falana’s demands.
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