Abati Slams Okpebholo’s Comment on Peter Obi, Demands Apology for ‘Embarrassing’ Edo People
Veteran journalist and Arise News anchor, Dr. Reuben Abati, has criticized Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo over his controversial remarks about former presidential candidate Peter Obi, calling on the governor to retract the statement and apologize to the people of Edo State.
Speaking during Monday morning’s “Arise Morning Show,” Abati expressed deep concern over Okpebholo’s now-viral comment, in which the governor referenced a hypothetical scenario involving Obi marrying an Edo woman.
In a tone widely interpreted as dismissive and inflammatory, Okpebholo had said, “If H.E. Peter Obi decides tomorrow to take a second wife, will he not come to Edo and take an Edo woman?”
Dr. Abati, responding to the remark, condemned it as both embarrassing and constitutionally irresponsible, warning that the governor’s statement risked portraying Edo people in a bad light while stoking unnecessary political tensions.
He insisted that Okpebholo should issue a public apology not just to Obi but to the entire Edo population for making such an “ill-considered” statement on a national stage.
“We had predicted that he [Okpebholo] would embarrass the people of Edo State—and he has done exactly that,” Abati said during the broadcast. “The statement is inappropriate and embarrassing. He should apologize to Edo people.”
Dr. Abati’s co-host, Rufai Oseni, also weighed in, warning against a trend of “casual threats” and “reckless statements” from public officials who, he said, often forget the legal and social weight of their words. Oseni stressed that Obi, like any Nigerian citizen, has the constitutional right to visit any part of the country, marry from any state, or associate freely without threats or political resistance.
The original controversy stems from a recent confrontation between Governor Okpebholo and Obi during the latter’s visit to Edo State. Okpebholo was accused of attempting to bar or discourage Obi’s political engagements in the state, prompting backlash from civil society groups and opposition voices. His hypothetical remark about Obi marrying an Edo woman added fuel to the criticism, with many interpreting it as a veiled attempt to portray the former Anambra governor as unwelcomed.
Dr. Abati further stated that leadership comes with the responsibility of restraint, especially in public speech. According to him, remarks like Okpebholo’s not only reflect poorly on the office he holds but also on the people he represents.
“You don’t make careless statements in the name of politics, especially when you are a governor. What he said was beneath the dignity of his office,” Abati emphasized.
The episode has sparked national debate on the limits of political rhetoric, the importance of mutual respect across Nigeria’s regions, and the dangers of inflaming ethnic or state-based divisions.
As public calls mount for an official apology, neither Governor Okpebholo nor his spokesperson has issued a formal statement addressing the backlash.
Meanwhile, support continues to grow for Obi, with rights groups like Global Rights Nigeria also demanding an apology from the governor, describing his remarks as unconstitutional and discriminatory.
Observers say the controversy highlights the urgent need for political actors to uphold constitutional values and foster unity, especially in a pre-election climate where tensions are already high.
