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By Oscar Okhifo
Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu, has accused former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of hypocrisy and disregard for lawful protocol, citing an incident in 2013 where Obi allegedly ordered the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, for 48 hours in Awka.
Ohonbamu’s comments came in the wake of Obi’s recent visit to Edo State on July 7, 2025, which sparked debate over security protocol and political courtesy.
Speaking to reporters in Benin City, the Edo State capital, the commissioner criticised Obi for breaching standard procedures by entering the state without proper notification to the authorities, describing the act as a violation of established security norms.
“Peter Obi talks about law and order, but in 2013, as Governor of Anambra, he enforced protocol with brutal efficiency, going as far as having El-Rufai detained for 48 hours,” Ohonbamu said.
Continuing, he said, “That was a clear abuse of power and disregard for democratic norms.”
The 2013 incident, which has resurfaced in political discourse, involved El-Rufai, then a chieftain of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).
El-Rufai had travelled to Anambra State to observe a Governorship by-election.
According to him, security operatives confined him to his hotel room in Awka under alleged directives from the Anambra State Government led by Peter Obi.
El-Rufai later pursued legal action, and in 2014, a court ruled in his favour, describing his detention as unlawful and awarding him ₦2 million in damages, along with a public apology.
Reacting to the accusation at the time, Peter Obi denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he neither ordered El-Rufai’s arrest nor had control over federal security agencies such as the DSS. He explained that the security measures were taken solely to ensure peace during the tense election period.
Despite Obi’s denial, Ohonbamu insists the episode reveals a double standard. “You cannot preach democracy and act like a monarch when in power,” the Commissioner said.
“The same Peter Obi who had a fellow political leader detained now ignores protocol when it doesn’t suit him.”
The renewed controversy has stirred fresh debate over the conduct of political figures and their respect for institutional processes, as both Obi and El-Rufai remain influential voices in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has advised Peter Obi to take legal action against the Governor, warning that such public statements could endanger his safety. Falana emphasised that allegations capable of inciting hostility toward a political figure, or any Nigerian, must not be taken lightly.
Similarly, veteran journalist, Reuben Abati has also criticised the governor’s remarks, describing them as “wrong and embarrassing.”
He described the governor as an “embarrassment” to the Edo people. He also said he was constitutionally wrong, ignorant and politically reckless.
“Even though the constitution shields a sitting Governor from prosecution, Mr. Obi should formally notify security agencies and emphasise they should hold the Governor accountable should anything untoward happen to him in Edo.”
He added, “We, on this platform, spelt out the danger in electing individuals without the basic exposure. It is disturbing that public officials with little or no understanding of democratic principles are given platforms lead sane people. Are we not vindicated now?”
” No Nigerian citizen, including Obi, requires permission to visit or reside in any part of the country. The Governor should apologize to Obi, to Edo people and to all Nigerians” he said.
Meanwhile, the Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has backed the state government, insisting that Obi must respect the Governor’s authority. He controversially claimed that the people of Edo State “deeply dislike” Obi , a stance that has drawn criticism and surprise from political observers, considering the fact that Obi won the majority of votes in Edo during the 2023 Presidential election, defeating the APC in the process. The last may not have been heard yet on this controversial statement by Gov Monday Okpebholo.