The Edo State Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Kelly Ogbaloi, has debunked claims that recent deaths and incidents of violence in the state were triggered by the visit of former LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Ogbaloi described the allegations as baseless and politically motivated, insisting that the security situation in the state is rooted in ongoing political and legal disputes, not Obi’s activities
The controversy began after Governor Monday Okpebholo raised concerns about Obi’s June 7 visit to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences in Benin City, where he donated ₦15 million toward the completion of infrastructure projects. Governor Okpebholo alleged that Obi’s visit reignited political tensions and indirectly contributed to a wave of violence that claimed at least three lives.
Allegation Politically Motivated – Ogbaloi
Reacting to the governor’s statement in an interview with Daily Post, Ogbaloi strongly refuted the claim, asserting that no deaths or violent incidents were recorded in connection with Peter Obi’s visit. He emphasized that any unrest in the state should be blamed on internal power struggles within the Edo political class, particularly what he described as a “court war” within the state’s ruling elite.
“I’m not aware of any incident where people died because Peter Obi visited Edo State,” Ogbaloi said. “If such an event occurred, we would all have known. The violence being witnessed now has nothing to do with Obi. It is the fallout of the legal battles and political infighting currently playing out in the state.”
He further criticized attempts to link Obi to the state’s security issues, saying such narratives were crafted by politicians trying to deflect attention from their own internal crises.
Governor Has No Power to Restrict Obi – LP Chairman
Ogbaloi also responded to Governor Okpebholo’s earlier warning that Peter Obi must obtain security clearance before visiting Edo State, stating that such a directive violates the Nigerian Constitution and undermines the principle of freedom of movement guaranteed to all citizens.
“Even if the governor had concerns about protocol, he should have addressed them in a respectful and constitutionally sound manner,” Ogbaloi stated.
He stressed that Peter Obi is a national figure, widely respected across the country, and cannot be restricted from traveling to any part of Nigeria under any guise.
“Obi is a prominent citizen with the right to move freely across Nigeria. The idea that a governor would try to block his visit is not only unconstitutional but also shows a disregard for democratic norms,” he added.
No Violence During Obi’s Visit
Ogbaloi reaffirmed that Obi’s visit was peaceful, well-organized, and did not result in any unrest. According to him, the event at St. Philomena Hospital was widely applauded and devoid of any security incidents.
“There was no stampede, no attack, no breach of peace. It was a straightforward humanitarian visit, and the people welcomed him warmly. Linking it to violence is simply an act of political desperation,” he noted.
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