When Obi Was Governor, Okpebholo Was Still Cutting Tickets at Motor Parks — Henry Shield Slams Edo Governor Over Threat to Peter Obi

 

A political activist and commentator, Hon. Henry Shield, has rebuked Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo over his recent threats to Labour Party leader Peter Obi. In a post on his official X account on Saturday, Shield wrote, “When Peter Obi was governor, I’m sure Monday Okpeboloh was still cutting daily tickets at the motor parks.”

His statement is the latest in the storm of backlash trailing Governor Okpebholo’s threat to Peter Obi, whom he warned not to visit Edo again without prior notice. During a recent speech captured in a now-viral video, Okpebholo had said, “Next time, he should tell us before coming. He cannot just come into my state and do whatever he likes. Next time, his security is not guaranteed.”

The governor’s remark came after Obi visited Edo to donate ₦15 million to a nursing school in the state as part of his health and education outreach.

Since then, public outrage has flared online, with Nigerians slamming the governor’s utterances as reckless and undemocratic. Responding to Henry Shield’s post, several users added fuel to the fire by mocking Okpebholo’s past.

BUCOS (@TENIBEGILOJU202) claimed, “As at 2010, the edeot was in a particular village retaking WAEC that he even failed woefully as usual o.”

Another user, Desmond (@deckdesmond), wrote, “True o! While Peter Obi was balancing Anambra’s budget, Monday was busy shouting, One chance! Enter with your change, oh!” Ken Musa Ehi (@KenEhi7) added, “He even wrote WAEC in 2008.”

The barrage didn’t end there. Okakaodumodu (@ceasarokoli) described Okpebholo as a symbol of misplaced leadership: “This is what happens when charlatans like Monday Okpebholo are allowed in government. They have no decency, no brains, no values. I pity Edo people.”

The sentiments reflect a growing dissatisfaction with political figures perceived to have risen through patronage rather than merit. Many saw the governor’s warning to Obi as not only irresponsible but also emblematic of a power-drunk political class more concerned with control than service.

Despite mounting criticism, the Edo State Government has yet to issue any statement to clarify or walk back the governor’s words.