Edo Assembly finally removes Deputy Governor Phillip Shaibu

The Edo House of Assembly impeached the state deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, on Monday months after the politician fell out with Gov. Godwin Obaseki, over his bid to succeed the governor.

The decision followed the adoption of the recommendations put forward by a seven-member judicial panel, led by Justice Stephen Omonua (retd.).

The panel’s investigation centred on two critical allegations against Mr Shaibu: disclosure of government secrets and a potential case of perjury.

Political background

Gov. Obaseki and Mr Shaibu were once allies, having fought together against ex-governor Adams Oshiomhole.

At the heart of the conflict is Mr. Shaibu’s aspiration to succeed Governor Obaseki. The governor alleges that Mr. Shaibu conspired to remove him from office in his quest for power.

This discord led to an impeachment attempt against the deputy governor. However, a brief reconciliation occurred after Mr. Shaibu apologized and withdrew his court case against Governor Obaseki and the state House of Assembly.

Mr Shaibu insisted on contesting the 2024 election without the support of the governor, and was declared as the candidate of one faction of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, while Asue Ighodalo represents the faction supported by the governor.

In March, Mr. Shaibu said there was a renewed plot to impeach him.

The impeachment drama

The seven-man panel unanimously recommended Mr Shaibu’s impeachment based on the grounds of revealing government information. Their report, presented to the Edo House of Assembly, set the stage for a dramatic plenary session.

In the Assembly’s chambers Monday, the majority leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian, summarized the panel’s findings and underscored the gravity of Mr Shaibu’s actions. The house, with 19 members, voted.

Eighteen members backed the impeachment while one abstained.

The speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, directed the Clerk to promptly transmit copies of the impeachment proceedings to Mr Obaseki for formal assent.

Mr Obaseki promptly picked 37-year-old Godwin Omobayo as the new deputy governor.

According to Channels TV, Mr Omobayo was born July 19, 1986, and hails from Akoko Edo local government area.

He holds a degree in electrical and electronics engineering and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Benin.

Before his new appointment, he served as a senior maintenance engineer at Dresser Wayne West Africa Limited.