Ongoing conflict between Obaseki and Shaibu intensifies as handover day approaches

The conflict between Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and his reinstated Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu continues to worsen, with no resolution in sight as the administration’s term draws to a close.

The ongoing drama has kept the state’s political environment tense, with new developments each week. CONTINUE READING>>>

Governor Obaseki and Shaibu’s disagreement appears unending, resembling a suspenseful movie plot. Unlike scripted films, this real-life political situation has no predictable conclusion. Even after the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, won the September 21 governorship election, tensions between the two persisted. Shaibu’s project inspections on Monday drew sharp criticism from the state government.

In politics, alliances and enmities often shift based on personal interests. The inability of politicians to manage their differences often leads to bigger issues, with the public ultimately suffering the consequences.

As the November 12 handover date nears, it seems the feud between Obaseki and Shaibu may outlast their administration. Obaseki, currently taking a break in Lagos after his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost the recent election, is expected to travel abroad once his leave is approved by the Edo State House of Assembly.

It is surprising that Obaseki and Shaibu, once close allies, have reached such a severe impasse. Just last year, they were united in their fight against former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, with Shaibu taking a lead role in accusing Oshiomhole of trying to control state politics.

The rift began when Shaibu skipped the swearing-in of new commissioners in Benin to attend the National Assembly inauguration, where he was seen mingling with Oshiomhole, an enemy of Obaseki and Shaibu at the time. Things escalated when Shaibu publicly announced his intention to succeed Obaseki, which clashed with the governor’s plan to support another candidate from Edo Central.

As tensions grew, Shaibu sought legal protection, filing a suit to prevent his impeachment. He accused several government officials, including Obaseki, of planning his removal, though the governor denied any such plan and claimed Shaibu was plotting to defect to the APC.

Obaseki responded to Shaibu’s actions by stripping his office of key responsibilities, including overseeing local government revenue collection. The governor also removed Shaibu from executive meetings and relocated his office outside the Government House.

The conflict reached a boiling point in September 2023 when Shaibu was blocked from meeting Obaseki at a government event. Despite the escalating tensions, Shaibu pledged loyalty to Obaseki, calling him his “elder brother.”

However, the situation worsened when Shaibu’s media team was disbanded, and his media activities were placed under the control of the state government. Further confrontations followed, including a public spat over campaign billboards and Shaibu’s declaration of his governorship ambition.

Shaibu’s office was eventually starved of funds for months, forcing him to rely on personal goodwill to keep it running. Despite these hardships, Shaibu remained determined to stay in the political game.

In a dramatic twist, Shaibu was impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly in April 2024, but a court later reinstated him. Despite his reinstatement, the conflict with Obaseki persisted, and Shaibu resumed his duties under challenging circumstances.

On Monday, Shaibu inspected several state projects, signaling his return to active governance. He emphasized his commitment to his duties as deputy governor, stating that the issue of his reinstatement was now behind him. He also acknowledged that while he could work with Obaseki, the governor seemed unwilling to cooperate with him. CONTINUE READING>>>

Shaibu’s actions prompted a warning from the state government, urging him not to disrupt governance or violate the law. The government reminded Shaibu to respect legal processes and await the outcome of his ongoing legal battles.

As Obaseki prepares to leave for vacation, there is speculation that Shaibu may ultimately be the one to hand over power to the incoming governor, Okpebholo, on November 12.