Businesswoman Sonia Adesuwa has publicly criticised an aide to Monday Okpebholo following a viral video showing the official making controversial remarks in the presence of a senior police officer.
In a statement shared on social media, Adesuwa questioned the conduct of the governor’s Senior Special Assistant, writing: “How can an SSA to the Governor conduct himself in public with such a glaring absence of decorum? I have friends who serve as SSAs in other states, and I have never seen this kind of behaviour from them. Why is it always Edo State?”
She further added: “Your Excellency, this individual has caused more reputational harm to your administration and indeed that of Mr President than anyone else. The sooner this is addressed, the better for Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.”
The reaction follows a widely circulated video in which the aide and praise singer is heard vowing to hand over any member of the African Democratic Congress found in the state to the police, while also referring to Peter Obi as a “stupid man.”
The footage also shows the Edo State Commissioner of Police smiling during the exchange, a reaction that has drawn criticism and raised concerns about the neutrality of law enforcement.
Adesuwa warned against what she described as a pattern of negative publicity, stating: “We cannot continue to proliferate mediocrity and nuisance. We are tired of Edo State constantly being in the news for the wrong reasons.” She also emphasised that political affiliation should not prevent accountability, adding: “Being in APC does not mean unquestioning allegiance. Not all of us are sycophants.”
The aide involved has previously been accused of making statements perceived as threatening to the safety of Peter Obi in the state, further fuelling concerns over political rhetoric and public conduct.
