Prominent human rights lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, to issue an immediate and unreserved public apology to former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and the wider Igbo community following controversial comments made by the governor earlier this week.

Governor Okpebholo, in a statement issued on July 21, warned that Obi “must not come to Edo without security clearance,” further cautioning that his safety would not be guaranteed should he visit without prior approval from the state government.

The statement, which has drawn widespread backlash, was delivered through the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua. Okpebholo insisted that Obi needed to seek formal security clearance before any public engagement in the state.

In a strongly worded response issued on Wednesday, Ejiofor condemned the governor’s remarks as “appalling, inflammatory, and unconstitutional,” asserting that such pronouncements violate the constitutional right of every Nigerian to freedom of movement.

“Only last week, Nigerians were jolted by an appalling and inflammatory declaration from the Governor of Edo State,” Ejiofor said. “Such a pronouncement laced with authoritarian arrogance is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to the 1999 Constitution, specifically Section 41(1), which guarantees the right to move freely throughout Nigeria.”

The human rights advocate argued that no state governor, regardless of political standing, has the authority to restrict the movement of a fellow citizen within the country’s borders.

Ejiofor described the governor's comments as "a troubling display of constitutional illiteracy and disregard for Nigeria’s pluralism and federal structure," especially coming from a state known for its cultural heritage and historical significance.

He further criticized the politicization of constitutionally guaranteed rights in a period marked by economic hardship, rising insecurity, and fragile national unity.

“To politicize free movement, particularly in a nation already burdened by economic strife, ethno-religious tension, and fragile unity, is a dangerous gamble,” Ejiofor warned.

Citing the deep ancestral ties between the Igbo and the Benin people — including the Onitsha Ado N’Idu community, whose roots trace back to the ancient Bini Kingdom — Ejiofor called the governor’s actions “an insult to shared heritage.”

“Mr. Peter Obi, an illustrious son of Anambra and a respected national figure, has traversed this country peacefully. To now single him out for exclusion is unjustifiable, inflammatory, and frankly, shameful,” he said.

Ejiofor urged the governor to retract the statement and apologize to both Obi and the Igbo community, noting their indelible contributions to the development of Edo State.

“Public office is a sacred trust, not a personal kingdom,” he emphasized. “Leadership demands maturity, restraint, and a commitment to democratic ideals — not petty rivalries or political vendettas.”

He concluded by warning that power must always bow to the rule of law and reminded the public that “Nigeria is not a monarchy.”

“Let this serve as both a civic reminder and a national alarm. Power must always kneel before the rule of law. Ego must never rise above the Constitution. May reason prevail. May justice speak louder than power.”

As of the time of filing this report, Governor Okpebholo has yet to respond to Ejiofor’s statement.