LET’S BE CLEAR: MR. PETER OBI DOES NOT NEED ANYONE’S PERMISSION TO VISIT EDO STATE OR ANY OTHER STATE FOR THAT MATTER. NOT NOW, NOT EVER- OLUMIDE AKPATA (FORMER NBA CHAIRMAN).(PHOTO).

 Let’s be clear: Mr. Peter Obi does not need anyone’s permission to visit Edo State or any other State for that matter. Not now, not ever- Olumide Akpata (Former NBA chairman)..

When I first saw the video clip of Governor Monday Okpebholo threatening Mr. Peter Obi not to enter Edo State without his “permission”, I genuinely thought it was fake — perhaps one of those AI-generated videos or a poorly written skit.

But it’s now clear it wasn’t fake. The Governor hasn’t denied it, no spokesperson has disowned it, and it’s been reported on credible news platforms. So, we must assume it was real — and that’s deeply troubling.

Edo people are known for being warm, open, and hospitable. We welcome visitors. We don’t chase them away — much less someone like Mr. Obi who came to make a modest, generous contribution by donating ₦15 million to an educational institution in our state.

Let’s be clear: Mr. Peter Obi does not need anyone’s permission to visit Edo State or any other State for that matter. Not now, not ever.

Perhaps Governor Okpebholo should focus more on governing in a way that earns him the kind of love and connection that Peter Obi enjoys amongst the people — the way Mr. Obi has consistently done through his exemplary leadership.

That this ill-judged threat came on the eve of Mr. Obi’s birthday — a day Obidients across the country are marking the occasion by giving back through acts of service — only highlights the Governor’s poor sense of judgement and timing.

On that note, Happy 64th Birthday to Mr. Peter Obi — a man whose leadership inspires millions, and whose presence in Edo will always be welcome, regardless of the threats from those who see your impact as a challenge to their own inadequacies.