By Latiifah Amusan
Amid an escalating rift between Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, the state government has taken a significant step by relocating the deputy governor’s office to a new location outside the government house.
The newly designated office can now be found at No 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, conveniently situated near the government house.
Interestingly, this new office was formerly the State Public Procurement Office, a facility commissioned by former Governor Sen. Adams Oshiomhole on December 16, 2014.
A Daily Trust correspondent who visited the site reported the presence of a prominent signboard with the inscription, “Office of The Deputy Governor” erected at the entrance of the building.
When contacted for comments, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, simply stated, “If there is a government signboard saying so, then it must be so.”
This move comes at a time of simmering power struggle for succession within the state, pitting Deputy Governor Shaibu against Governor Obaseki.
While Shaibu aspires to succeed Obaseki, who hails from the Edo South senatorial district, the Governor is advocating for a successor from Esanland in the Edo Central senatorial district.
Tensions reached a boiling point recently during a Government-organized event when Deputy Governor Shaibu staged a dramatic walkout after his aides were forcibly removed from the venue.
Furthermore, reports emerged of a Department of State Services (DSS) operative allegedly denying Shaibu access to Governor Godwin Obaseki during a church service commemorating the 32nd anniversary of Edo State’s creation.
The situation remains highly charged as the political rivalry intensifies in Edo State.
