The ongoing rift between Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, may escalate next week as the deputy governor is set to be relocated to a new office outside the Government House. The new office is located at No. 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, near the Government House.
Key points regarding the situation include:
- Rift Between Governor and Deputy: The conflict between Governor Obaseki and Deputy Governor Shaibu has been escalating, primarily fueled by the deputy governor’s desire to succeed his boss as governor.
- Security Denial: The tension was evident when the deputy governor was denied access to the governor during an interdenominational service at the Government House. Despite pledging allegiance to Governor Obaseki, Shaibu reiterated his governorship aspirations.
- Media Team Disbandment: The state government disbanded the media team of the deputy governor after an altercation at a state function led to Shaibu walking out.
- Renovation of New Office: The new office for the deputy governor is currently undergoing renovation. It was originally the office of the Edo State Public Procurement Office, commissioned by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole in 2014.
- Official Confirmation: The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, confirmed the relocation based on the presence of a government signboard at the new office.
The rift between the governor and deputy governor has attracted public attention, and the relocation of the deputy governor’s office further underscores the discord within the administration. It remains to be seen how this situation will develop in the coming weeks and its potential impact on governance in Edo State.