Peter Obi Defies Okpebholo’s Warning, Receives Massive Welcome In Benin City

Peter Obi Defies Okpebholo’s Warning, Receives Massive Welcome In Benin City, NDC, presidential candidate Peter Obi drew large crowds in Benin City on Wednesday, days after Governor Monday Okpebholo warned him against visiting Edo State without prior notification.

Obi was in the state capital to join Catholic faithful, clergymen and dignitaries at the Service of Songs and funeral activities for the late Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze.

—“They Simply Heard Peter Obi Was Around”—

Videos from the visit showed residents and supporters lining the streets at night as Obi’s convoy moved through parts of the city.

Hundreds gathered to catch a glimpse, take photographs, and welcome the former Anambra governor before he arrived at Holy Cross Cathedral.

Social media commentator Benkingsley Nwashara described the turnout as spontaneous.

“No campaign announcement. No mobilisation. They simply heard Peter Obi was around and showed up,” he wrote.

X user Freeman (@freeman_stv) said the crowd was “visibly excited” and made it difficult for Obi to enter the venue immediately.

—Renewed Debate Over Okpebholo’s Warning—

The visit has reignited debate over a warning issued by Governor Okpebholo on July 18, 2025, that Obi should not visit Edo without prior notice and official security clearance.

That directive drew criticism at the time, with many Nigerians arguing that Obi, a Nigerian citizen and former governor, had the right to visit any part of the country.

Following Wednesday’s visit, questions resurfaced online about whether the governor was aware and why there had been no public reaction.

TV host Rufai Oseni posted on X: “Dear Okpebholo, Obi is in Edo oooo.”

Influencer Manju Vic also referenced the warning:
“D7 told Peter Obi not to set foot in Edo. Peter Obi went to Benin, walked through the streets, and hundreds of people came out to give him a triumphant entry.”

—Funeral, Not Campaign–

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Obi’s visit was for the funeral rites of Archbishop Akubeze. However, the reception has become a major talking point online, with supporters citing it as evidence of his popularity and critics questioning the need for the earlier warning.

As of press time, the Edo State Government had not issued a statement on Obi’s visit.