The visit of Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi, to Edo State has sparked fresh reactions, months after Governor Monday Okpebholo warned him against visiting the state without prior notification and security clearance.
Okpebholo had, on July 18, 2025, warned Obi against entering Edo without notifying the state government and obtaining the required security clearance. The warning drew criticism from some residents and observers, who argued that Obi, a former governor and Nigerian citizen, had the right to visit any part of the country.
On Wednesday, however, Obi was in Benin City, the Edo State capital, to join Catholic faithful, clergymen and other dignitaries at the service of songs and other funeral activities for the late Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze.
His arrival quickly became a talking point after videos showing a large crowd welcoming him began circulating on social media.
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Hundreds of residents were seen lining the streets at night as Obi’s convoy made its way to the Holy Cross Cathedral. Some gathered around the former Anambra State governor to take photographs, while others cheered as he passed.
The reception has since reignited debate online, with some users questioning the governor’s response to Obi’s presence in the state.
Popular television host, Rufai Oseni, drew attention to the development in a post on his official X handle, writing: “Dear Okpebholo, Obi is in Edo oooo.”
Social media commentator Benkingsley Nwashara also noted that Obi’s visit was not announced as a political event, yet residents came out in large numbers after word spread that he was in the city.
“Word quickly spread that Peter Obi was in town. Edo youths left their homes at night, gathered in large numbers, and turned up to welcome and celebrate him,” Nwashara wrote.
He stressed that there was no campaign announcement or organised mobilisation, saying residents simply turned up after learning of Obi’s presence.
Another social media influencer, Manju Vic, referenced Okpebholo’s earlier warning, writing: “D7 told Peter Obi not to set foot in Edo. Peter Obi went to Benin, walked through the streets, and hundreds of people came out to give him a triumphant entry.”
An X user, Freeman (@freeman_stv), also described the reception as enthusiastic, saying many residents gathered around Obi to take pictures and greet him.
“The crowd was so excited to see him. Many people gathered around, taking pictures and trying to get close to him,” he wrote.
According to Freeman, the crowd was so large that it took Obi some time to make his way into the venue.
While Obi’s visit was for a funeral-related event rather than a campaign, the reception he received has nevertheless renewed conversations about his popularity in Edo and revived the debate over Governor Okpebholo’s earlier warning.
Okpebholo had, on July 18, 2025, warned Obi against entering Edo without notifying the state government and obtaining the required security clearance. The warning drew criticism from some residents and observers, who argued that Obi, a former governor and Nigerian citizen, had the right to visit any part of the country.
On Wednesday, however, Obi was in Benin City, the Edo State capital, to join Catholic faithful, clergymen and other dignitaries at the service of songs and other funeral activities for the late Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze.
His arrival quickly became a talking point after videos showing a large crowd welcoming him began circulating on social media.
Hundreds of residents were seen lining the streets at night as Obi’s convoy made its way to the Holy Cross Cathedral. Some gathered around the former Anambra State governor to take photographs, while others cheered as he passed.
The reception has since reignited debate online, with some users questioning the governor’s response to Obi’s presence in the state.
Popular television host, Rufai Oseni, drew attention to the development in a post on his official X handle, writing: “Dear Okpebholo, Obi is in Edo oooo.”
Social media commentator Benkingsley Nwashara also noted that Obi’s visit was not announced as a political event, yet residents came out in large numbers after word spread that he was in the city.
“Word quickly spread that Peter Obi was in town. Edo youths left their homes at night, gathered in large numbers, and turned up to welcome and celebrate him,” Nwashara wrote.
He stressed that there was no campaign announcement or organised mobilisation, saying residents simply turned up after learning of Obi’s presence.
Another social media influencer, Manju Vic, referenced Okpebholo’s earlier warning, writing: “D7 told Peter Obi not to set foot in Edo. Peter Obi went to Benin, walked through the streets, and hundreds of people came out to give him a triumphant entry.”
An X user, Freeman (@freeman_stv), also described the reception as enthusiastic, saying many residents gathered around Obi to take pictures and greet him.
“The crowd was so excited to see him. Many people gathered around, taking pictures and trying to get close to him,” he wrote.
According to Freeman, the crowd was so large that it took Obi some time to make his way into the venue.
While Obi’s visit was for a funeral-related event rather than a campaign, the reception he received has nevertheless renewed conversations about his popularity in Edo and revived the debate over Governor Okpebholo’s earlier warning.
