Tensions Escalate In Edo As Governor And Deputy’s Conflict Adding To The Ongoing Mess....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The ongoing dispute between Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and his deputy, accompanied by unfolding drama, appears far from resolution, as reports suggest that Phillip Shaibu was allegedly barred from entering his office at the Government House in Benin. The incident unfolded yesterday when Shaibu arrived at the Government House but discovered that the gate leading to his office was locked without prior official communication regarding the office relocation.

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Expressing his situation, Shaibu stated, “Up till now, I don’t have any official communication that I should relocate. The only people that have official communication are my civil servants. The civil servants have official communication, but I don’t. As I am speaking with you now, I am standing by the gate.” He conveyed this information during a phone call with an unidentified individual.

On September 3, Governor Obaseki ordered Shaibu’s office to be relocated from the Government House, a move seen as a sign of their deteriorating relationship, despite efforts by various stakeholders to reconcile them. The relocation was initiated through a memo from the Office of the Head of Service, directing Shaibu to move his office to No.7, Osadebey Avenue, near the Government House.

However, when Shaibu arrived at his office within the Government House compound yesterday, he found the entrance locked with chains and padlocks. After waiting for an hour, he and his aides left. Shaibu reportedly tried to contact the governor but could not reach him.

In response, Shaibu discussed the situation with the Commissioner of Police and the Director of State Services (DSS), explaining how he had been locked out of his office. He also summoned the Government House Camp Commandant, Ibrahim Babatunde, who indicated that the directive came from higher authorities and suggested that the CSO of Government House, Williams Wabba, would provide more information.

Shaibu attempted to contact Wabba, who promised to come but did not arrive during the 30-minute wait.

An anonymous government official contradicted Shaibu’s claims, stating, “Shaibu does not have an office in the Government House. He has relocated from the Government House. His office is at No.7, Osadebey Avenue. He came to make trouble here; he was never locked out of his office. He can only come here if summoned by the governor.”

This recent face-off follows a legal suit filed by Shaibu in an Abuja Federal High Court to prevent Obaseki and others from impeaching him. Although the suit led to conflicts between the two leaders, Shaibu withdrew it from court two weeks ago following interventions by prominent figures, including traditional and religious leaders.