Edo deputy governor files motion for protection amidst tensions with Governor Obaseki

Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking protection from possible impeachment and removal from office by his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki.

In the motion of notice filed before the court, Shaibu requested an interlocutory injunction to stop harassment, intimidation, or embarrassment, and to allow him to carry out his duties as the deputy governor, including attending State Executive Council meetings.

The situation between Governor Obaseki and his deputy has reportedly been tense in recent months. According to multiple online reports, the conflict began when a video of Shaibu with Obaseki’s predecessor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, during the National Assembly inauguration in Abuja went viral. Since then, according to reports, the deputy governor has faced alleged dehumanization and humiliation by the governor.

The reports cited sources who stated that Governor Obaseki summoned all Edo State House of Assembly PDP members to his mansion but excluded his deputy, a move that was seen as unusual and further strained their relationship. The deputy governor’s attempt to attend the meeting was thwarted by DSS personnel who claimed he was not on the guest list.

The situation escalated with nocturnal meetings held in the PDP leader’s residence, during which local government chairmen were briefed on developments. Efforts to reconcile the governor and deputy governor were made by former deputy governor Chief Mike Ogiadomhe and a former Chief Judge, but tensions persist.

The reports cited unconfirmed allegations claiming that Governor Obaseki accused Shaibu of associating with adversaries like Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Lawrence Oka. Additionally, the deputy governor was accused of mentioning the Oba of Benin to the Italian Embassy without the governor’s permission and visiting the relatives of a deceased renowned Chief of the Benin Kingdom without clearance.

Shaibu had in a June 2023 report stated that he was not in conflict with Obaseki, but the court case points to the opposite as it seeks to protect Shaibu from potential political backlash and preserve his role as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.