Shaibu vs Omobayo: A Tale of Two Political Rivalries in Edo State.
By DADA AYOKHAI
Edo North district recently made headlines for the wrong reasons due to a high-profile altercation between two deputy governors from the district, Philip Shaibu and Omobayo Marvelous, who both served under Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The incident occurred during the 4th annual national conference of the Former Deputy Governors’ Forum in Abuja, where Philip Shaibu and Omobayo Godwins clashed over representation of Edo State. Shaibu objected to Omobayo’s introduction as the former deputy governor, citing a court judgment that declared his removal illegal and reinstated him to office. Shaibu maintained that Omobayo was “brought in through the backdoor” and not elected, while Omobayo described the situation as “a sad reality to live with” and urged Shaibu to accept the ongoing court case
It’s worth noting that some state governors had multiple deputy governors during their tenure of office.
According to wikipedia, Governor Bola Tinubu had three different deputy governors during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, from 1999 to 2007. They were:Kofoworola Bucknor, Femi Pedro and Abiodun Ogunleye
The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria clearly outlines the two methods for a person to become a deputy governor:
1. Through a joint ticket election with the governorship candidate.
2. By appointment in case of a vacancy, such as impeachment or resignation, subject to the constitution’s provisions.
This provision ensures clarity on the process for occupying the office of deputy governor, hence it’s illogical for Shaibu to claim that he is the elected deputy governor while omobayo came through back door.
A similar scenario occured in Edo State in 2008 when Governor Oserheimen Osunbor’s election was nullified by the court, and Adams Oshiomhole was sworn in as governor. Oshiomhole indeed took a strict stance, interpreting the court’s ruling to mean that all actions taken by Osunbor’s administration were null and void. As a result, he ordered the removal of Osunbor’s pictures and any other symbols associated with his administration from government offices.
In preparation for his second term campaign, Oshiomhole ,after the intense political rivalry, visited Osunbor at his ‘ country home in Iruekpen where he got a warm reception .
The visit and the reception marked a turning point, Oshiomhole became a born again, restored Osunbor’s picture frame in Government House and also the recognition of Osunbor’s contributions as a past governor.
After Oshiomhole’s reconciliation with Osunbor, Philip Shaibu, as the then-Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, played a key role in moving a motion to amend the law.
This amendment ensured that Osunbor’s tenure was formally recognized, allowing him to access his entitlements and pension as a former governor of the state.
! It seems like history is repeating itself in Edo politics. The old guards, Oshiomhole and Osunbor, had their intense rivalry, and now it appears Philip Shaibu and Omobayo Godwins are locked in a similar struggle. Is this a case of déjà vu or a new chapter in Edo politics?
