The newest news out of the South-South state states that Philip Shaibu would be transferred to a building away from the Government House, which suggests that the rift between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy has grown.
The ongoing conflict between Obaseki and Shaibu over the latter’s desire to secure the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nomination for the Edo gubernatorial race in 2024 is no longer a secret.
But what seemed to be a festering conflict has suddenly erupted, with the Governor rebuffing all of his deputy’s attempts to garner his attention.
At a recent church gathering, Shaibu was denied access to the Governor due to Obaseki’s security measures. A few days later, the deputy stormed out of an event the Edo state government was hosting after being denied entry with his entourage.
Shaibu has been kicked out of the Edo Government House, and his new office is at 7 Dennis Osadebey Avenue, which is near to the Government House. This is the most recent development in the ongoing saga.
The building had formerly housed the Edo State Public Procurement Office, which former governor Adams Oshiomhole had opened on December 16, 2014. The plaque announcing the opening date is still carved at the building’s door.
At the entrance, a signboard with the words “Office of the Deputy Governor” is placed. On Friday, September 1, 2023, workmen could be seen remodeling the structure and the surrounding area, although construction had not yet started on the security post.
ThePunch claims that one of the remodeling employees, who declined to provide his identity, said that the project was anticipated to be completed on Monday.
“I am employed by the firm in charge of this building’s refurbishment. Delivering the project on Monday as planned is our responsibility. The worker was cited as adding, “I have no clue how the signboard got to the building’s door, and I have no idea what the structure will be utilized for.
Chris Nehikhare, the commissioner for communication and orientation in Edo State, commented on the incident by stating, “If there is a government signboard saying so, then it must be so.”
