Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu Locked Out of Office Amid Rift with Obaseki

In a surprising turn of events, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, found himself locked out of his office at the Government House in Benin City on Monday morning.

Shaibu arrived at the Government House to find the gate leading to his office under lock and key. During a phone call with an unknown individual, he stated that he had not received any formal communication from the governor’s office about the relocation of his office.

Last week, a letter was sent to Shaibu from the office of the Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, directing him to move his office to a new location at No. 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, GRA, Benin City. However, sources close to the deputy governor revealed that this new office was in a state of disrepair and required rehabilitation.

This development is the latest escalation in the power struggle between Philip Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The governor accused his deputy of plotting a coup against him and there have also been speculations about impeaching Shaibu. But during a recent event commemorating the state’s 32nd anniversary, Shaibu denied these allegations and publicly expressed his loyalty to Governor Obaseki.