Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has firmly denied claims that his administration authorised the payment of N6 billion in compensation to any group within the state, describing the allegation as a malicious fabrication intended to sow ethnic discord and discredit his government.
The rebuttal was issued Thursday through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, in response to a publication by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which accused the Edo governor of allocating funds to “compensate terrorists” and alleged betrayal of the people of Edo.
Governor Okpebholo dismissed the claims as “fictitious, inciteful, and deliberately misleading,” describing them as a calculated attempt by IPOB to distort facts and provoke ethnic tension in a state long known for its peace and hospitality.
The Allegation and Its Source
The compensation allegation originated from IPOB, a separatist group outlawed by the Nigerian government and designated as a terrorist organisation. The group claimed Governor Okpebholo had earmarked N6 billion as compensation to “terrorists” and further accused him of “betraying” the people of Edo State. It also alleged that local vigilante operatives were being handed over to “Fulani authorities”—a narrative that mirrors IPOB’s long-standing pattern of sowing ethnic division, particularly between southern and northern Nigerians.
Analysts say IPOB’s statement follows a familiar script—leveraging sensitive issues such as security, ethnicity, and inter-group relations to drive political narratives, often without factual backing.
Okpebholo: We Will Not Be Derailed
Governor Okpebholo dismissed the group’s compensation claims as an “insult to the intelligence of Edo people and a gross disrespect to the sacrifices of our security forces.” He reaffirmed that his administration had not—and would never—disburse public funds to individuals or organisations associated with violence or criminal activity.
“The idea that we would compensate those who threaten the peace of our people is not only absurd but deeply offensive,” Okpebholo said. “Our administration stands firmly on the pillars of law, justice, and the security of every law-abiding resident.”
He emphasised that his government remains committed to inclusive development, transparency, and the protection of the rule of law—adding that Edo’s long-standing reputation as a beacon of peace and unity must not be eroded by fringe narratives.
A Wider Agenda?
Observers believe the false compensation claims are part of a broader trend of political misinformation that increasingly targets subnational governments, particularly those in regions considered to be strategic in Nigeria’s political economy. Edo State, with its growing economic footprint, infrastructure development ambitions, and rising political relevance in the South-South, appears to be in the crosshairs of such smear campaigns.
IPOB’s increasing resort to incendiary rhetoric, many analysts argue, is indicative of its waning influence in the South-East and an attempt to regain traction by spreading its message beyond its traditional strongholds.
A Call for Action
Governor Okpebholo urged security agencies to investigate and prosecute those behind the misinformation campaign, warning that no entity—regardless of its platform—should be allowed to manipulate public sentiment or incite violence.
“This is not just about my administration. It’s about preserving the peace and dignity of Edo State,” the governor stated. “We must not allow agents of disunity to fracture our collective progress.”
The Bigger Picture
The development comes at a time when state governments across Nigeria are navigating complex issues around community policing, rising insecurity, and the politicisation of vigilante groups. Okpebholo’s swift response to the IPOB allegations appears intended to prevent potential escalations, particularly in a state where ethnic diversity is both a strength and a potential flashpoint.
As Nigeria continues its search for a stable security architecture, governance transparency and the timely debunking of misinformation may prove to be critical in shielding states like Edo from unnecessary upheaval.
