A civil society group has petitioned the US Embassy to impose a visa ban on Governor Monday Okpebholo and his family over threats to Peter Obi. Read full report.
…. CSO Demands Visa Ban on Edo Governor, Family for “State-Sanctioned Threats”
A civil society group, Leadership and Accountability Initiative, has submitted a formal petition to the United States Embassy in Abuja, urging the imposition of a visa ban on Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, and members of his family.
The group’s demand follows what it described as “state-sanctioned threats” allegedly made by Okpebholo against Mr. Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor.
In the petition delivered on Monday, July 21, the organisation cited a public statement allegedly made by Okpebholo on Friday, July 18, in which the governor reportedly warned Peter Obi to stay away from Edo State, threatening that “whatever he sees, he should take” if he enters the state.
The group interpreted the remark as a direct threat to Obi’s life, safety, and freedom of movement, describing it as an abuse of office, a violation of democratic values, and a dangerous precedent in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“The governor’s utterance is not only reckless but constitutes a threat to our multiparty democracy. It sends a chilling message to opposition voices across the country,” the petition reads.
The Leadership and Accountability Initiative urged the US government to take decisive action by placing travel restrictions and other diplomatic sanctions on Okpebholo and his family. The aim, it said, is to deter future authoritarian behaviour by Nigerian public officials.
The petition also referenced a similar incident involving a neighbouring state governor, who allegedly restricted Obi’s entry into the state for political reasons. The group warned that such actions collectively erode public confidence in democratic institutions and violate the constitutional rights of all Nigerians.
Legal Action Looms as Human Rights Lawyer Issues Ultimatum
Meanwhile, in a separate development, leading constitutional lawyer Festus Ogun, through his law firm FOLEGAL (Festus Ogun Legal), has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Okpebholo.
In a letter dated July 21, 2025, Ogun demanded a public retraction of the alleged threats and a formal apology to both Peter Obi and the Nigerian people. The letter was signed by the Managing Partner, Festus Ogun himself.
The legal warning described the governor’s statement—particularly the remark that Obi must obtain “security clearance” before visiting Edo State—as blatantly unconstitutional and a violation of Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement to all Nigerian citizens.
FOLEGAL cited a Court of Appeal ruling that reaffirmed no state governor has the legal authority to restrict the movement of any citizen without due process or judicial backing.
“Any attempt to subject Mr. Obi or any Nigerian to unconstitutional security protocols is an affront to the rule of law and will be challenged in court,” Ogun warned.
He further noted that failure to comply with the demands within seven days would trigger legal proceedings to enforce Obi’s constitutional rights, including the right to safety, free movement, and political participation.
As of press time, Governor Okpebholo is yet to issue any official response, but pressure continues to mount from civil society groups, legal practitioners, and opposition figures demanding accountability.
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