Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo has warned Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, against visiting the state without his approval.

Mr Okpebholo told Mr Obi that his security would not be guaranteed if the former Anambra governor defied his warning.

“He (Peter Obi) cannot come to Edo without telling me. A new Sheriff is in town. His security cannot be guaranteed,” Mr Okpebholo said on Friday.

“We are serious about it. Whatever happens to him when he comes to Edo State, he will take it,” the Edo governor added.

Mr Okpebholo said this in Uromi, the headquarters of Esan North East Local Government, while receiving Marcus Onobun, the lawmaker representing Esan West/Igueben/Central in the House of Representatives.

He said Mr Obi would be responsible for any security breach that occurred in the state if he failed to heed his advice.

“He came the other day and donated N15 million. By the time he left after donating the money, there was a crisis, and three people died in Benin.

“Tell the man (Peter Obi) we say he no get shi shi, I am sending a direct message to him. he should not come to Edo without telling me,” he warned.

Mr Okpebholo’s warning comes amid several cautions from political figures, especially in the northern part of the country, regarding Mr Obi’s visit and support for humanitarian purposes.

A few months ago, Mr Obi was warned against visiting Benue state after his planned visit to the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp to host victims of herdsmen-related violence.