Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Benin City — Tensions are escalating in Edo State after Governor Monday Okpebholo was caught on video threatening a United Kingdom‑based media critic and social commentator, and allegations surfaced that armed youths linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) vandalised the critic’s property in Benin City. The developments have drawn sharp condemnation from civil society groups and raised concerns over political intimidation and the safety of dissenting voices in the state.
In the widely circulated footage, Governor Okpebholo is heard warning Albert Obazee, an Edo‑born publisher and critic based in the UK, that he would “go to prison” and would not be allowed to set foot on Nigerian soil without punitive consequences. The governor acknowledged monitoring Obazee’s social media posts, which have been sharply critical of his administration’s policies and conduct.
Obazee, who has amassed a substantial following for his critiques of governance and political accountability in Edo State, said the threat followed his online post alleging the arrest and interrogation of Tony Kabaka Adun, the Edo State APC Youth Leader, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Obazee had suggested that the EFCC action validated his reporting, which appeared to fuel the tense confrontation between the critic and the governor.
Shortly after the exchange on social media, Obazee reported that his residence in Amagba, Benin City was vandalised by a group of youths alleged to be loyal to the APC and led by Kabaka. Eyewitness accounts describe heavy damage to both the interior and exterior of the property, leaving occupants in fear and dismay at the sudden destruction of a home reportedly worth millions of naira.
Obazee told reporters that residents in and around the compound witnessed a group of approximately 30 armed men forcing their way into the property, causing significant destruction before fleeing the scene. He said the attack has instilled fear among his family and associates, and he has appealed to relevant authorities to investigate the matter and ensure accountability.
The controversy has drawn reactions from advocacy groups and human rights lawyers. Prominent legal campaigner Deji Adeyanju publicly condemned the alleged intimidation and vowed to petition Western governments — including those of the United States, United Kingdom and Canada — to impose visa bans on Edo State politicians and their alleged enforcers for their role in suppressing critics and perpetuating a climate of fear.
Critics argue that the governor’s remarks and the reported attack on Obazee’s property are symptomatic of a broader pattern of political intolerance in the state, where opposition voices and media critics face intimidation rather than constructive engagement. They have called on state and federal authorities to ensure robust investigations and protection for citizens exercising their constitutional rights to free expression. (
Supporters of the governor and the APC have contested allegations of state‑backed violence, with some party leaders dismissing claims of threats and property destruction as politically motivated. They argue that public officials have a right to respond firmly to what they view as defamatory or hostile commentary. However, opponents assert that accountability and respect for civil liberties must override partisan exchanges and that resorting to threats against critics undermines democratic norms.
The unfolding situation has added to an already fraught political atmosphere in Edo State, where governance, accountability and opposition activism have become increasingly contentious. Observers highlight the importance of lawful conduct by public officials and political actors, stressing that the protection of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, is essential for democratic governance.
As controversy continues to unfold, public and international attention is likely to focus on how authorities respond to accusations of intimidation and violence, and whether steps are taken to uphold the rule of law and safeguard civic space in Edo State.
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