Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of barring him from entering the state.
This accusation comes amid ongoing tensions between Shaibu and Obaseki over the governorship election in the state.
Shaibu, who was reinstated by a Federal High Court order on July 11, 2024, claimed during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today that he had received information suggesting that Obaseki instructed his associates to prevent Shaibu from entering Edo State.
Shaibu asserted that such a move is unconstitutional and expressed his right to enter the state, regardless of his current status.
Additionally, Shaibu accused Obaseki of orchestrating an attack in Benin City, alleging that the governor was fulfilling his earlier threat to destroy him. This attack occurred on the same day as Shaibu’s return to Benin City and resulted in the death of a police inspector attached to the APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo.
Shaibu also criticized Obaseki for allegedly undermining the office of the deputy governor, claiming that he has not been paid for the past year and expressing concern over the institution’s integrity.
As the September 21 governorship election approaches, Shaibu has vowed to continue his efforts to strengthen the office of the deputy governor and to address what he perceives as its misuse by the governor.