A chieftain of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Dr. Akin Fapohunda, has taken a swipe at Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, accusing him of acting under the influence of former governor Adams Oshiomhole.
He also warned former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to take his personal safety seriously amid what he described as growing political tension in the country.
Fapohunda, who serves as the Director of Research for Afenifere, made the remarks during an interview on Symfoni TV released on Monday.
In the interview, he criticised the Edo State governor’s political conduct and suggested that Okpebholo’s leadership style reflects the influence of powerful political figures behind him.
Speaking during the interview, Fapohunda said the governor appears to be operating under the political direction of Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and prominent political figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, the situation mirrors the old political structure in Oyo State where strong political godfathers held significant sway over elected leaders.
He said: “The reign of whoever it was, the governor of Edo State, I can’t even pronounce his name (Monday Okpebholo). The man just has a village mentality. He’s sincere in what he’s doing, I can’t fault him.
“He was put there by and catapulted by Adams Oshiomhole. And he’s doing his bidding just like Adedibu in those days in Oyo. Adedibu could do anything in those days. Okpebholo can also do the same thing too.
“Peter Obi should protect himself and not not just die in vain. If he dies, nothing will happen. There will be little riots here and there and that will be the end.”
The Afenifere chieftain also used the opportunity to caution Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, urging him to remain vigilant while engaging in political activities across the country.
