“You Can’t Ban Obi!” – Lawyers Slam Edo Governor, Demand Apology in 7 Days
A Nigerian law firm, Festus Ogun Legal (FOLEGAL), has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, demanding a retraction of what it calls an “unconstitutional threat” to Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
The ultimatum follows a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, in which Governor Okpebholo declared that Peter Obi must obtain security clearance before visiting Edo State and warned that his safety could not be guaranteed otherwise.
In a formal letter dated July 21 and titled “Threat to Mr. Peter Obi Is Illegal and Unconstitutional,” the law firm argued that such a demand violates Obi’s fundamental rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
“Threatening Mr. Peter Obi not to visit Edo State without security clearance from your office is not supported by any provision of law,” the letter, signed by Managing Partner Festus Ogun, Esq., stated.
Citing Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution, FOLEGAL emphasized that all Nigerian citizens have the right to move freely throughout the country without interference.
The firm also referenced a ruling by the Court of Appeal in Faith Okafor v. Lagos State Government (2016) LPELR-41066 (CA), which reaffirmed that governors cannot restrict a person’s movement without legal basis.
“It is preposterous to subject Mr. Obi to any form of security clearance before visiting any part of Nigeria,” the firm said, calling the move a clear breach of constitutional rights.
FOLEGAL has demanded a public apology from Governor Okpebholo to Peter Obi and the Nigerian public. Failure to comply within seven days, the firm warns, will result in legal action to enforce Obi’s fundamental rights.
“We are confident that you will be properly advised and act in the interest of our constitutional democracy and the rule of law,” the letter concluded.
As of the time of publication, Governor Okpebholo has not issued a response.
