Oshiomhole Urges Peter Obi to Notify Governor Before Edo State Visits Amid Protocol Controversy
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has called on Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, to observe protocol by informing Governor Monday Okpebholo before visiting Edo State. The statement, made during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time program on Friday, July 25, 2025, has reignited discussions about political etiquette and governance in Nigeria’s volatile political landscape.
Oshiomhole’s remarks come in the wake of a controversial statement by Governor Okpebholo, who warned Obi against entering Edo State without prior security clearance, linking a previous visit by Obi to a security incident that allegedly resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The governor’s comments, made over the weekend prior to July 25, 2025, sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing him of political intimidation. Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), defended Okpebholo’s position, arguing that notifying state authorities is a matter of courtesy and respect for governance structures, particularly when visiting state-owned facilities.
During the Arise TV interview, Oshiomhole clarified that his call for protocol was not rooted in political rivalry but in established norms of governance. He emphasized that high-profile figures, regardless of party affiliation, should inform the sitting governor of their visits to ensure coordination and security. Citing his own experience, Oshiomhole recounted how he contacted the Enugu State government before delivering a lecture at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as a gesture of respect. He also noted a similar instance during his tenure as Edo State governor, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo visited and acknowledged the state’s authority despite their political differences.
The senator acknowledged his long-standing acquaintance with Obi, stating that he holds personal respect for the former Anambra State governor. However, he highlighted their political differences, noting that the issue transcends party lines and centers on mutual respect for state governance. Oshiomhole also addressed media coverage of the controversy, suggesting that reports had exaggerated Okpebholo’s warning to Obi. He maintained that the governor’s message was clear and rooted in common sense, despite not being a constitutional requirement.
The controversy stems from Obi’s visit to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences in Edo State on June 7, 2025. Governor Okpebholo alleged that the visit, during which Obi reportedly donated ₦15 million, coincided with a resurgence of violence in the state. The governor’s remarks drew sharp criticism from opposition figures, including Obi himself, who dismissed the warning as baseless and politically motivated during a speech at his alma mater, Christ the King College, Onitsha, as reported by Arise TV on July 25, 2025.
The ongoing debate highlights the delicate balance of protocol, security, and political dynamics in Nigeria. Edo State, a politically charged region, has been a focal point for tensions between the APC and opposition parties, including the Labour Party, particularly following the 2023 general elections. Oshiomhole’s comments reflect an effort to frame the issue as one of governance rather than partisan conflict, though public reactions on platforms like X suggest a polarized response, with some supporting the call for protocol and others viewing it as an attempt to restrict Obi’s movements.
As the discourse continues, the incident underscores the complexities of political interactions in Nigeria, where personal relationships, party affiliations, and governance protocols often intersect. Neither Obi nor Okpebholo has issued further public statements on the matter as of July 26, 2025, leaving room for continued speculation about the implications for Edo State’s political landscape ahead of future elections.
