Obaseki reveals why he denied Philip Shaibu access to his house

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has publicly addressed an incident that led to his denial of access to his house by his deputy, Philip Shaibu. During a gathering with elders and leaders from Etsako West, East, and Central Local Government of the State, held in Jattu, Etsako West LGA, as part of the campaign for the upcoming local council election scheduled for September 2nd, Obaseki made serious allegations against Shaibu.

Obaseki claimed that his deputy was involved in a plot to overthrow him in a desperate bid to become the next governor of the state. He stated, “My deputy governor has become so desperate to take over and is ready to do anything, including carrying out a coup d’etat, to ensure he kicks me out and becomes the governor of Edo State.”

The governor recounted an incident involving Shaibu’s attempt to influence the election of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly. Obaseki alleged that Shaibu had contacted a leader in the APC (All Progressives Congress) to rally support for his preferred candidate. He revealed, “I called the PDP members to my house to familiarize myself with them following this information. Shaibu tried to barge in. I said you can’t come into my house. It’s my private house, not even the Government House.”

Obaseki further explained that he had allowed Shaibu to retain his position as deputy governor during their transition from the APC amid the crisis leading up to the 2020 Governorship poll. He emphasized the importance of their partnership and said, “For me to be governor, Philip Shaibu must be my deputy, and I never allowed any negotiation on that stand.”

However, Governor Obaseki expressed disappointment in Shaibu’s actions and intentions. He revealed, “The deputy governor never discussed his governorship ambition with me, but went to Abuja and didn’t tell me, only for me to see him on social media and television as the video was all over the place boasting to leave the party.”

The governor stressed the constitutional role and power of the deputy governor, explaining, “The constitution made me the Governor and gives me the power of the governor, adding that it provides for a deputy governor who carries out the responsibility the governor gives to him but does not give the deputy the power of the governor.”

The chief press secretary to the deputy governor, Musa Ebomhiana, declined to comment when contacted.