Benin City, Nigeria — A legal firm, Festus Ogun Legal (FOLEGAL), has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, demanding a retraction of comments regarding movement restrictions placed on former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The firm’s demand follows a statement credited to Governor Okpebholo through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, cautioning that Mr. Obi “must not come to Edo without security clearance,” suggesting his safety could not be guaranteed otherwise.

In a formal letter dated July 21, 2025, titled "Threat to Mr. Peter Obi is Illegal and Unconstitutional," the firm, led by Festus Ogun, Esq., described the governor's statement as a violation of constitutional rights, particularly the freedom of movement enshrined in Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).

The letter cited precedent from the Court of Appeal case: Faith Okafor v Lagos State Government (2016) LPELR-41066 (CA), which affirms that a state governor lacks the legal authority to restrict any citizen’s movement without due legal process.

"Threatening Mr. Peter Obi not to visit Edo State without security clearance from your office is certainly not supported by law," the letter stated.

Legal Position and Demand

FOLEGAL emphasised that Mr. Obi, like every Nigerian citizen, has the constitutional right to move freely within the country without needing prior approval from any state governor.

"It is, in fact, a gross violation of Mr. Peter Obi’s constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of movement," the firm asserted.

The legal team has demanded that the Edo State Governor:

  • Retract the statement publicly.

  • Issue an apology to Mr. Obi and the general public.

Failure to meet these demands within seven days, the letter warns, would compel the firm to initiate a fundamental rights enforcement lawsuit against the governor.

"We trust that you are properly advised and would act accordingly," the letter concluded.

Background

Governor Okpebholo's statement was made amid political engagements in the state and was interpreted by critics as an attempt to limit political participation or engagements by opposition figures within Edo.

There has been no official response from the Edo State Government at the time of filing this report.

Conclusion

This development underscores ongoing conversations around governance, the rule of law, and citizens’ constitutional rights in Nigeria, especially as the nation approaches another political cycle.