Philip Shaibu has officially resumed his role as the deputy governor of Edo State, following a federal high court ruling that nullified his removal.
In July, Judge James Omotosho of the Abuja Federal High Court declared Shaibu’s impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly on April 8, 2024, as illegal, citing it as “politically motivated.”
The court’s decision reinstated Shaibu to his position and ordered the inspector-general of police to restore his security detail. Despite the reinstatement, Omobayo Godwins, who was appointed by Governor Godwin Obaseki as deputy governor following Shaibu’s removal, asserted that he remains the “authentic” deputy governor of Edo State.
In a video posted on X on Monday, Shaibu expressed gratitude, stating that his reinstatement is a “testament to the divine grace of God and the steadfast prayer of all Nigerians.”
He also revealed that an assassination attempt was made on his life upon his return to Benin, the state capital, after his reinstatement. Shaibu recounted that a bullet, intended for him, tragically struck and killed a police officer attached to Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the upcoming September election.
Furthermore, Shaibu mentioned that he has yet to receive a response from Governor Obaseki regarding the reinstatement of his aides. “Following my return to office, I have formally requested the governor’s approval for the reinstatement of aides. However, I have yet to receive a response from him,” Shaibu noted.
