The Olodo of Edo: Gov Okpebholo Under Fire Over Ban on Peter Obi as Activists Digs Up His Failed WAEC Certificate, Adult Education Form

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State is facing intense criticism and nationwide ridicule following his recent threat to bar Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, from entering the state without “security clearance.” What began as a political outburst has spiraled into a full-blown scandal, after documents allegedly exposing the governor’s poor academic history surfaced online—compounded by a viral adult education enrolment form.

The governor, while receiving defecting federal lawmaker Marcus Onobun into the All Progressives Congress (APC) last Friday, claimed that Peter Obi’s July 7 visit to Benin City coincided with a resurgence of violence in the state. Obi, during that visit, donated ₦15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences for the completion of key projects. Okpebholo questioned the source of the funds and warned: “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance.”

The governor’s remarks drew immediate condemnation from civic groups, political leaders, and concerned citizens. As the backlash escalated, a WAEC certificate dated June 2008 emerged online, revealing that Okpebholo failed five of his six registered subjects—including English Language (D7), Economics (E8), and Government (D7). Social commentator Ugo Egbujo, who posted the certificate on Facebook, mocked the governor, writing: “The Olodo of Edo. He was still failing WAEC in 2008? But how wouldn’t he? He thinks like a hoodlum.”

Making matters worse, a separate document—a filled Ladewin Adult Education form dated June 2024—also appeared on social media, allegedly showing Okpebholo enrolling for adult education in Abuja. The form lists English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Civic Education among the subjects he intends to study, and bears his name, photo, and former school: Liberty Comprehensive College, Jos.

The reaction from the public has been scathing. UK-based medical doctor, Obinna Ihemedu, expressed disbelief at the situation: “This is the man that decides the future of Edo State. The man who decides how education will be run in Edo State for 8 years. Na adult education he do and he still no get 2 credits for WAEC. This is an insult to the people.”

Senior legal practitioner, Kenechukwu Oguejiofor, added: “I’m not here to defend P.O., but after listening to the Executive Governor of Edo State, I saw why governance shouldn’t be bequeathed to untrained minds. That man sounded like a stark illiterate.”

Beyond personal attacks, organizations like the Igbo Community Association in Abuja have criticized the governor’s statement against Peter Obi as “reckless, unconstitutional and inflammatory,” warning that such rhetoric could incite ethnic tensions. The group’s President General, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, said in a statement: “Governor Okpebholo must exercise greater caution in the manner he expresses himself. His recent comments are deeply disappointing and unbecoming of a governor.”

The Obidient Movement, in a statement signed by its Director of Strategic Communications, Nana Kazaure, cited Section 41 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to free movement. “It is unconstitutional, dangerous, and indefensible for a sitting governor to restrict this fundamental right or issue threats to a former governor and presidential candidate,” she said.

Labour Party’s House of Representatives caucus also joined the condemnation, calling the governor’s behavior “outrageous, shocking, and disappointing.” The group’s leader, Afam Ogene, described Obi’s philanthropic activities as nonpartisan and vital to national development: “Rather than being vilified, Obi should be celebrated for supporting human capital development across Nigeria.”

Chairmanship candidate for Abuja’s 2026 AMAC election, Dr. Paul Moses of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), described Okpebholo’s conduct as “disturbing and disgraceful,” saying: “Your threats are not only laughable; they are anti-democratic and reveal the dangerous mindset of those who rose to power not through the ballot of the people but through electoral manipulation.”