Edo Gov’t affirms Omobayo Godwins as Deputy Governor, calls Shaibu’s return impersonation

In a surprising development, the Edo State government has announced Omobayo Godwins as the new Deputy Governor, despite Philip Shaibu’s recent return to office.

This announcement comes amidst ongoing political tensions and power struggles within the state’s leadership.

The state government clarified that Godwins was appointed following the resolution of recent political disagreements and that his role has been officially recognized. The appointment of Godwins signifies a shift in the administration’s leadership dynamics, with the government emphasizing the need for unity and progress.

This announcement has added another layer of complexity to the political landscape in Edo State, as Shaibu had previously resumed his duties as Deputy Governor and instructed his staff to return to work. The situation remains fluid, and observers are closely watching for further developments and potential responses from Shaibu and his supporters.

The state government has called for calm and cooperation among all political stakeholders, emphasizing that the focus should remain on governance and the welfare of the people of Edo State.

The statement reads:

It has come to the attention of the Edo State Government that the former Deputy Governor, Comr. Philip Shaibu, has been carrying out correspondence with different institutions and organisations both within and outside the State in a clear case of impersonation.

In the interest of the safety of these organizations, we want to restate that Shaibu is not the Deputy Governor of Edo State and every correspondence from him in that regard should be disregarded and considered a forgery.

The issue of his purported reinstatement is still active in court and the next hearing for the two separate motions filed by the State Government and the Edo House of Assembly challenging the purported reinstatement by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court is fixed for 24 September, 2024.

The State through the Attorney General of Edo State and the Edo House of Assembly by their lawyers, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, and Ken Mozia, SAN, respectively, had in the motions sought an order for a stay of the execution of the purported reinstatement and an order suspending the judgment and restraining Shaibu from parading himself or attending any official function as deputy governor pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

Therefore, the status quo is that His Excellency, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins, remains the deputy governor of Edo State and any correspondence carried out by any other person, including Philip Shaibu is an act of impersonation, and anyone who deals with him does so at his or her own risk.

Security agencies are, by this notice, alerted to the potential breach of peace and are urged to hold Philip Shaibu responsible for any security breach in the State arising from his ignoble actions.

Chris Osa Nehikhare

Hon. Commissioner for Communication and Orientation

August 12, 2024