Oshiomhole defends Okpebholo, says Obi’s visit to Edo needed clearance

Former Edo governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole has said it is a matter of decency and protocol for Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to inform Governor Monday Okpebholo before visiting the state.

His comment comes in the wake of a warning issued by Governor Okpebholo, who accused Obi of making an unscheduled visit to the state, which he claimed led to a security breach that allegedly resulted in the deaths of three people.

The governor’s remarks have drawn widespread criticism, with many accusing him of attempting to intimidate political opponents. However, Oshiomhole defended the governor’s position, saying protocol should not be disregarded.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, Oshiomhole said it is important to notify state authorities before visiting government-owned facilities, especially for public figures like Obi.

He explained that the school Obi intended to visit is owned and maintained by the state government, and such visits should follow proper channels. “If I wanted to visit a public institution in Anambra when Obi was governor, I would have informed the authorities,” he said.

Oshiomhole noted that while he and Obi once shared a cordial relationship, they now hold differing political views. “I liked him then and still do, but we don’t agree politically,” he added.

He emphasized that the issue was not about restricting movement but about respecting governance and institutional boundaries.

The development has stirred debate in political circles, as tensions grow between opposition figures and state authorities in the lead-up to future political activities.