Edo Legislative Body Dethrones Philip Shaibu from Deputy Governor Position

The Edo State Assembly executed a decisive action on Monday, ousting Philip Shaibu from his role as deputy governor, culminating in a prolonged political feud between him and Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The removal of Shaibu unfolded during a legislative session in Benin City, the state’s capital, following enduring tension between Obaseki and Shaibu.
Shaibu’s dismissal ensued after the acceptance of a report by a seven-member committee appointed by the state’s chief judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, tasked with probing allegations of impropriety against the deputy governor.
During the assembly’s deliberation, Majority Leader Charity Aiguobarueghian delineated the conclusions of the adjudicatory panel, disclosing that while the accusations of perjury against Shaibu were inconclusive, he was adjudged culpable of divulging state secrets.
In a decisive ballot, 18 out of 19 legislators present sanctioned Shaibu’s removal, surpassing the requisite two-thirds majority. The recommendation of the adjudicatory panel received swift endorsement, resulting in his ousting from office.
Subsequent to the impeachment, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku instructed the assembly’s clerk to dispatch copies of the resolution to Governor Godwin Obaseki for ratification.
Shaibu promptly reacted to his impeachment, decrying the action as a menace to democracy and castigating the legislators for what he perceived as a dereliction of duty to the state’s welfare.
The impeachment unfolded amidst a backdrop of a lawsuit initiated by Shaibu contesting the assembly’s actions, escalating the political unrest in the state.
The discord between Obaseki and Shaibu, which escalated in recent months, revolved around the deputy governor’s ambition to vie in the impending gubernatorial election, leading to accusations and counter-accusations of malfeasance and disloyalty.
Despite the turmoil, Shaibu remained steadfast, participating in the gubernatorial primaries under the PDP banner and proclaiming himself the victor, albeit unsuccessfully, as businessman Asue Ighodalo emerged as the party’s official nominee.
In essence, Shaibu’s ousting signifies a momentous development in Edo State’s political arena, accentuating the intricacies and strains within the ruling party’s echelons ahead of the impending elections.