Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has publicly criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki for allegedly ignoring his court-ordered reinstatement, asserting that he played a crucial role in Obaseki’s rise to power.
Shaibu emphasized that without his support, Obaseki would not have become governor of Edo State.
Speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Friday, Shaibu disclosed that former Governor Adams Oshiomhole had to persuade him and other supporters over three months to back Obaseki’s candidacy. According to Shaibu, Obaseki lacked both the political background and financial resources necessary to run for office at the time.
“Obaseki wasn’t a politician and didn’t have the financial means to campaign. Oshiomhole introduced him, and it took him three months to convince me and others to support Obaseki. When we finally agreed, we used our resources, enlisted our friends to fundraise, and applied our political influence to secure his victory,” Shaibu explained.
The relationship between Obaseki and Shaibu has soured amid disputes related to the upcoming governorship election in Edo State. Shaibu noted that his selection as deputy governor was intended to add political strength to the ticket, given Obaseki’s lack of political experience.
Shaibu also accused Obaseki of trying to thwart his political ambitions by cutting off his financial support, revealing that he hasn’t received any government funds in the past year.
After being reinstated by a Federal High Court, Shaibu returned to his duties as deputy governor and instructed his staff to do the same. However, the Edo State government released a statement accusing Shaibu of impersonating the deputy governor, a charge that Shaibu strongly denied.
Shaibu responded by accusing Governor Obaseki of lawlessness, saying, “The current governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, is acting lawlessly. If he weren’t, he wouldn’t accuse me of impersonation when there is a valid court judgment reinstating me as deputy governor.”
He further condemned Obaseki for ignoring multiple court orders and failing to adhere to policies initiated by his own administration. Shaibu’s statements shows the deepening rift between the two leaders as the 2024 governorship election draws near.
