Tensions Rise in Edo: Obaseki vs. Shaibu Over Governorship Aspirations

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, is reportedly in a dispute with his deputy, Philip Shaibu, over Shaibu’s intention to run for the 2024 state governorship election…CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Allegedly, Governor Obaseki has demanded that Shaibu publicly withdraw his gubernatorial ambition or face exclusion from all government activities, including State Executive Council meetings.

Obaseki, hailing from the Edo South Senatorial district, is said to favor Asue Ighodalo, a lawyer from Edo Central and the chairman of the Board of Trustees of Alaghodaro, an annual state government investment drive.

Despite the governor’s stance, Deputy Governor Shaibu remains steadfast in his determination to participate in the forthcoming governorship election.

As reported by The Nation, Governor Obaseki conducted the state’s weekly executive council meeting/retreat in Lagos, deliberately without the presence of Shaibu. The deputy governor was purportedly sent to Abuja, presumably to keep him away from the meeting/retreat.

The two-day retreat, named “Exco Retreat with Mr. Governor,” was designed for recently appointed Edo commissioners and other high-ranking government officials to strategize on government programs and set the agenda for the upcoming year.

During the retreat, Obaseki allegedly informed his cabinet members that if Shaibu were to participate in the Peoples Democratic Party governorship primaries, his security allocation and involvement in government activities would be suspended.

An unnamed ally of Obaseki revealed, “Obaseki quietly dispatched Shaibu to represent him at two events in Abuja while he, along with his commissioners and heads of Edo Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), conducted the state’s weekly exco meeting at a Lagos resort.

Shaibu was not informed of the change in the exco meeting’s day or location, ensuring his exclusion even if he returned from his Abuja assignments before the meeting’s conclusion.”