The Edo State government is branding Philip Shaibu as an imposter. According to the official statement, Shaibu’s attempt to resume his role as deputy governor is nothing short of a “clear case of impersonation.”
Why It Matters
Edo State apparently has a deputy governor dilemma, featuring not one, but two candidates, Philip Shaibu and Omobayo Godwin. Shaibu, who has been fighting tooth and nail to reclaim his position, has reportedly resumed duties and instructed his staff to follow suit. However Edo’s current regime, led by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Osa Nehikhare, is not impressed.
What They Are saying
Nehikhare has called out Shaibu for his “misleading” actions, declaring that any correspondence from him should be dismissed as fraudulent. “Shaibu is not the Deputy Governor of Edo State,” Nehikhare stated. “Any communication from him claiming otherwise is nothing more than forgery.”
So, what’s the legal standing? The matter is still tangled in court proceedings. On September 24, 2024, the court will hear motions from both the Edo State Government and the Edo House of Assembly. They’re challenging the reinstatement decree issued by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court. The State is seeking to pause the reinstatement order and prevent Shaibu from masquerading as deputy governor until the appeal is resolved.
The state’s Attorney General and the Edo House of Assembly’s lawyers, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, and Ken Mozia, SAN, are pressing for a stay on the reinstatement. They argue that Shaibu should not participate in official functions until the legal dust settles.
Bottom Line
For now, Omobayo Marvelous Godwin remains the “official” deputy governor. Any dealings with Shaibu are deemed risky and potentially problematic. The government has also put security agencies on high alert, warning them to hold Shaibu accountable for any disturbances that might arise from his “dubious” actions.
