Politics

Falana Urges Edo Governor to Retract Death Threat Against Peter Obi

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 21st, 2025.

Falana Urges Edo Governor to Retract Death Threat Against Peter Obi

Femi Falana

Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to retract his threats against the former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

At a recent political rally in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, Governor Okpebholo warned Obi not to enter Edo State without prior notification or security clearance. He reportedly stated, “There’s a new sheriff in town. He cannot just come into Edo without informing me. His safety is not guaranteed. If anything happens to him here, he will be to blame. I’m serious.”

In a statement, Falana condemned the governor’s remarks, saying they violate Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution as well as Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which protect every citizen’s right to life.

Referencing Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which declares that the government’s primary duty is to ensure the security and welfare of its people, Falana demanded that Governor Okpebholo withdraw his threat, issue a public apology to Peter Obi, and guarantee his safety while in Edo State.

Falana further warned that if the governor refuses to retract his statement out of arrogance or abuse of power, Obi should promptly seek legal protection by filing a suit at the Federal High Court’s Benin Judicial Division to enforce his right to life.

Given the rise in mob violence and extrajudicial killings across the country, Falana urged Obi to act swiftly to safeguard his life.