The recently reinstated deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of trying to prevent him from entering the state.
This accusation comes amidst a prolonged political feud between Obaseki and Shaibu, exacerbated by disputes surrounding the upcoming governorship election.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Shaibu disclosed that he received intelligence indicating the governor had instructed his aides to deny him entry into Edo State.
Shaibu accused Governor Obaseki of orchestrating an attack on his convoy in Benin City on Thursday, which led to the death of a police inspector.
He claimed the attack was part of Obaseki’s earlier promise to destroy him. Identifying as a devout Catholic, the deputy governor stated that only God has the power to destroy man.
He said, “I didn’t realize he would go as far as arming gunmen. I recall the governor saying during this crisis, when I declared my candidacy, that if I persisted, he would destroy me.
“With what happened yesterday, it’s clear that this attack was a calculated effort to fulfill that threat.”
Shaibu’s comments followed a Federal High Court order in Abuja reinstating him as deputy governor two days prior.
He also recalled his declaration to run for the governorship ticket under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in November 2023, alleging that Obaseki had threatened to destroy him in response.
He vowed to continue his political fight through the election period until the governorship election on September 21.
He said, “Yesterday, I got intel that the governor has told his men that they must not allow me into town.
“I am a free-born of Edo State; nobody can stop me from entering Edo State,” Shaibu declared.
He emphasised that the constitution grants him, and any citizen, the right to enter the state without obstruction.
The attack in Benin City saw Shaibu’s convoy and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, come under fire from suspected gunmen.
Shaibu mourned the loss of Inspector Okon, who was attached to Okpebholo and died during the ensuing shootout.
Shaibu also highlighted issues regarding his office, accusing Obaseki of undermining the institution of the deputy governor.
He revealed that he had not been paid for the past year and expressed concern over the governor’s actions destroying the office for personal gain.
He said, “One of my main cardinal goals is to strengthen institutions. I am seeing the institution of the office of the deputy governor being destroyed by the governor for personal gain.
“That is why I am fighting to bring back the sanity of the office of the deputy governor not for my personal self. The governor has not paid me for the past year and I know he is not going to pay me for the remaining four months.”
The escalating conflict between Shaibu and Obaseki continues to draw attention as Edo State approaches a crucial election period.
