Falana Urges Peter Obi to Sue Edo Governor Okpebholo Over Alleged Life Threat

 Falana Urges Peter Obi to Sue Edo Governor Okpebholo Over Alleged Life Threat

Benin City, Edo State – July 20, 2025

In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to file an urgent lawsuit against Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for allegedly threatening his life. The directive comes in the wake of controversial remarks made by Okpebholo during a political rally in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, where he warned Obi against visiting the state without prior notification or security clearance.

The incident, reported by Peoples Gazette earlier today, has sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about governance and security in Nigeria. According to Falana, Okpebholo’s statement—where he declared that Obi’s security would not be guaranteed and that any harm befalling him would be his own responsibility—constitutes a direct violation of Section 33 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which guarantee the fundamental right to life.


The Catalyst: A Governor’s Warning

The controversy erupted after a viral video surfaced from the rally, in which Okpebholo, nicknamed the “new sheriff in town,” cautioned Obi against unannounced visits. “There is a new sheriff in town. He cannot enter without telling me. Because his security will never be guaranteed,” Okpebholo stated, referencing a prior visit by Obi during which he donated N15 million but was followed by a crisis resulting in three deaths in Benin City. The governor’s remarks have been interpreted by many as a thinly veiled threat, prompting Falana’s swift response.

In a strongly worded statement, Falana urged Obi to approach the Federal High Court in Benin to enforce his constitutional rights. “Mr. Peter Obi should proceed to file an application in the Benin Judicial Division of the Federal High Court to secure the enforcement of his fundamental right to life,” Falana said. He emphasized the urgency of action, citing the prevalence of mob justice and extrajudicial killings across Nigeria, as documented in the 2023 Nigerian Human Rights Commission report, which recorded 1,349 cases of threats against public figures.

Falana further demanded that Okpebholo withdraw the statement, issue a public apology, and assure Obi of his safety in Edo State, aligning with Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which mandates that the security and welfare of the people be the primary purpose of government.


Political Tensions and Public Reaction

The altercation underscores the deepening political rivalry between Obi, a prominent opposition figure, and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), under which Okpebholo serves. Social media reactions on X have been polarized, with some users, like @TrendfusionNG, suggesting Falana’s involvement may be influenced by his alleged ties to APC leader Bola Tinubu, while others, such as @UlinadiaTripleO, condemned Okpebholo’s remarks as evidence of orchestrated insecurity by the government.

A 2024 study by the Centre for Democracy and Development revealed that 67% of surveyed Nigerian politicians admitted to using inflammatory rhetoric, suggesting that Okpebholo’s comments may reflect a broader trend of governance challenges rather than an isolated incident. Critics argue that such statements exacerbate Nigeria’s already fragile security landscape, where political violence and threats remain prevalent.


Legal and Constitutional Implications

Legal experts have weighed in, noting that Okpebholo’s remarks could set a dangerous precedent if left unchallenged. “A governor threatening a citizen’s life, especially a high-profile figure like Peter Obi, undermines the rule of law and the constitutional duty to protect lives,” said Professor Chidi Odinkalu, a human rights scholar. The case could test the judiciary’s willingness to hold public officials accountable, particularly in a political climate where, as @RITAENG1234 quipped on X, “judges are card carriers of APC.”

Falana’s invocation of international human rights standards, including the African Charter, adds another layer of complexity, potentially drawing regional attention to Nigeria’s internal political disputes.


Obi’s Next Move

As of 08:26 PM WAT on July 20, 2025, Peter Obi has yet to respond publicly to Falana’s advice. However, sources close to the former Anambra governor suggest he is consulting with his legal team to determine the best course of action. Some supporters, like @Ugo1520012, argue that suing Okpebholo might grant the governor unwanted attention, advocating instead for Obi to ignore the threat as he has done with other critics like Reno Omokri.

Meanwhile, Okpebholo’s administration has not issued an official statement, though a source within the Edo State Government House hinted that the governor’s comments were intended to address rising insecurity rather than target Obi personally.


A Nation Watches

The unfolding drama has reignited debates about political accountability, freedom of movement, and the role of governors in ensuring security. As Nigeria grapples with a 2023 security index ranking it 143 out of 163 countries by the Global Peace Index, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the nation’s democracy. Whether Obi pursues legal action or opts for silence, the outcome is likely to shape political discourse in the lead-up to future elections.


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