The dispute between the governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki, and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, took a dramatic turn this morning, September 18, as Shaibu was denied access to his former office at the Government House in Benin, the state capital.
Upon arriving for work at the Government House this morning, Shaibu was astonished to find the gate leading to his office securely locked. He expressed his surprise, revealing that he had not received any official communication from the governor instructing him to relocate.
“Up to this moment, I have not received any official communication regarding my relocation. The only individuals in possession of official communication are my civil servants. They have received official notices, but I have not. As I speak to you now, I am standing by the gate,” he conveyed during a phone call to an unidentified person.
Phillip Shaibu, denied access to Edo government house office
Last week, a letter purportedly originating from the office of the Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, allegedly directed Shaibu, the Deputy Governor, to move to a new office located at No 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, GRA, Benin City. Nonetheless, sources close to Edo’s deputy governor have contended that the new office remains abandoned and is in dire need of refurbishment.
The rift between Obaseki and Shaibu emerged when the latter expressed an interest in running for the office of the state governor, while Obaseki had already chosen a preferred candidate. Accusations of plotting a coup against the governor have been levelled against Shaibu by Obaseki, which the deputy governor vehemently denies, emphasising that he considers Obaseki a brother and remains loyal despite their political differences.
