Kenneth Okonkwo Slams Okpebholo Over Warning to Peter Obi
— TEC News | July 21, 2025
Veteran actor and former spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Kenneth Okonkwo, has strongly criticized Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, over a viral video in which the governor appeared to warn Mr. Peter Obi not to enter Edo State without his permission.
Appearing on Arise TV’s Morning Show earlier today, Okonkwo condemned the governor’s remarks as unconstitutional, reckless, and a dangerous affront to democratic norms.
“What the governor said is unconstitutional, illegal, irresponsible, and largely illiterate,”
Okonkwo stated firmly during the live interview.
Citing Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he reminded Nigerians that every citizen has the fundamental right to move freely throughout the country without restriction or fear of political intimidation.
“No Nigerian needs a governor’s permission to visit any part of this country. Peter Obi, or any citizen for that matter, cannot be banned from entering Edo State. That’s not just undemocratic—it’s ignorant,” he added.
Okonkwo didn’t stop at the legal angle. He raised concerns about what he called “an undercurrent of ethnic bias” in the governor’s statement.
“Let’s be honest—if Peter Obi were not Igbo, would the governor have made such a statement? There’s a stench of tribal bigotry here, and it should worry every Nigerian, regardless of tribe or political leaning,”
he said.
The Labour Party chieftain called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any attempts by political leaders to fan the flames of ethnic division or suppress dissent.
“This is not just about Peter Obi—it’s about every Nigerian’s right to participate in the democratic process without fear or favour,”
he concluded.
As reactions continue to pour in online, many Nigerians have called for a retraction and public apology from Governor Okpebholo, warning that such divisive rhetoric could damage national unity, especially ahead of Edo’s upcoming gubernatorial election.