By Rejoice Peterside,
Renowned Nollywood actor and constitutional lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, has slammed Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, over a controversial remark allegedly threatening the safety of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
Okonkwo, a former spokesperson of the Labour Party, expressed deep disappointment in the governor’s comments, describing them as both a direct threat to Obi’s life and a veiled insult to the entire Igbo ethnic group.
According to him, the governor’s assertion that Obi’s security could “never be guaranteed” without first seeking clearance from the state government amounts to a breach of constitutional rights and could incite ethnic tension.
“This is a direct attack and threat to his life,” Okonkwo said in an interview. “If a strand of hair falls from Peter Obi, then you will know he has kinsmen.”
He questioned the governor’s authority to demand such clearance, citing that no Nigerian citizen requires a state governor’s permission to travel within the country.
“The law is clear you don’t even need permission to stage a peaceful protest, let alone visit a state. This is offensive and unconstitutional,” he said.
Reacting to appeals for moderation in his tone, Okonkwo shot back: “What decorum did the governor maintain when he issued a threat to a fellow citizen?”
He went on to accuse the governor of harboring ethnic bias, claiming that such remarks would not have been directed at leaders from the Hausa or Yoruba communities.
“When Northerners were killed in Edo, he ran to Kano to prostrate before their elders. But now, he threatens Peter Obi. That is tribalism. He wouldn’t have done that to a Northern or Yoruba leader,” Okonkwo said angrily.
The lawyer vowed to pursue legal action against Governor Okpebholo if a public apology to Obi is not issued. He also dismissed attempts by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary to clarify the comments as “damage control,” maintaining that the initial statement was clear and deliberate.
Okonkwo further declined to respond to remarks made by the APC chairman in Edo, Jared Tenebe, stating, “I don’t give credence to people like that… he is as inconsequential as his face looks.”
While admitting occasional differences in political approach with Obi, Okonkwo emphasized that no disagreement justifies threats or intimidation.
“Peter Obi has the right to move freely. His life must not be endangered because someone dislikes his methods,” he added.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate, with political observers warning that such rhetoric could inflame ethnic tensions ahead of future elections.
Governor Okpebholo is yet to personally respond to the backlash, but his media team insists the comments were misinterpreted.
