The recently reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has vehemently refuted claims that he is an impostor, calling such allegations an affront to the judiciary. The dispute arose after the state’s Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, labeled Shaibu an impostor following his resumption of office.
Shaibu, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Musa Ebomhiana, criticized Nehikhare’s statement, asserting that it not only undermines the judiciary but also disrespects the will of the Edo State electorate.
“Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, describing the state Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu as an impostor,” Ebomhiana stated.
“To say the least, the statement, in its entirety, is an affront to the judiciary, and a clear violation of a valid court order of July 17, 2024, as delivered by Hon Justice James Omotosho of the FCT Federal High Court.”
Shaibu’s position as Deputy Governor was reinstated following a court order by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The ruling, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, invalidated Shaibu’s previous suspension, allowing him to resume his official duties. The court’s decision was a significant victory for Shaibu, who had faced political turbulence and attempts to unseat him.
The controversy surrounding his reinstatement was further fueled by the appointment of Marvellous Omobayo by Governor Godwin Obaseki. Omobayo had been functioning as Deputy Governor during Shaibu’s legal battle, leading to a complex power struggle within the state government.
Shaibu’s response also emphasized the role of the people of Edo State in his election, highlighting the joint ticket he shared with Governor Obaseki in the 2020 governorship election. “We also view it as an insult to the people of Edo State who overwhelmingly voted for the Godwin Obaseki/Philip Shaibu joint ticket in the governorship election of September 2020,” Ebomhiana added.
He further argued that Omobayo’s appointment was not in line with the democratic process, stating, “It’s a known fact that the Edo people never voted for Marvellous Omobayo as their deputy governor. It’s also a known fact that in the eyes of the law, Omobayo is only a political appointee of Governor Godwin Obaseki who imposed him on the people of Edo State.”
Shaibu’s camp maintains that Omobayo is the true impostor, urging him to cease parading as the Deputy Governor. “Nehikhare should know, except if he wants to be mischievous, Omobayo is the impostor who should stop parading himself as the Edo State Deputy Governor because he was never voted for,” Ebomhiana concluded.
The tension between Shaibu and Governor Obaseki has been a subject of intense political speculation, with reports suggesting a rift between the two leaders. The controversy over the deputy governorship has deepened divisions within the state’s political landscape, raising questions about the stability of the current administration.
The court’s decision to reinstate Shaibu is seen by many as a reaffirmation of the rule of law, underscoring the judiciary’s role in resolving political disputes. However, the ongoing war of words between Shaibu and members of the state government indicates that the matter is far from settled.
