Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has openly criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki, asserting that he was instrumental in making Obaseki the governor.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Shaibu stated that Obaseki was neither a politician nor financially equipped to run for office when he was first introduced by former governor Adams Oshiomhole.
“Oshiomhole took three months to convince me and others to support Obaseki,” Shaibu revealed. “Obaseki was not a politician, and even financially, he was not strong enough to contest the election. We provided the resources, gathered our friends, and brought our political capital to make him governor.”
Shaibu emphasized that his political influence was a key factor in Obaseki’s victory, claiming that he was asked to be the deputy governor to add political value to the ticket. “He is not the one who made me; I made him,” Shaibu asserted.
The relationship between the two leaders has been fraught with tension, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 governorship election in Edo State. Shaibu accused Obaseki of trying to block his gubernatorial ambitions by withholding funds meant for his office. “For the past year, I have not received any cheques from the government,” Shaibu disclosed.
Following a Federal High Court ruling that reinstated Shaibu to his position after an impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly, Shaibu resumed his duties as deputy governor. However, the Edo State government responded by accusing Shaibu of impersonating the officeholder.
In reaction to this accusation, Shaibu labeled Obaseki as “lawless,” stating, “The holder of the office of the governor in Edo State today is lawless, Godwin Obaseki is lawless. If he were not, he wouldn’t claim that I am impersonating the deputy governor despite a valid court judgment reinstating me.”
The court had earlier declared the impeachment of Shaibu as unconstitutional, ordering that his salaries and allowances be paid from April, when the impeachment occurred. The court also restrained Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from preventing Shaibu from performing his duties.
Despite the ongoing legal battles, the Edo State House of Assembly has appealed the High Court’s ruling and is seeking a stay of execution.
