The Edo State Government has accused Comrade Philip Shaibu of impersonating Marvellous Omobayo as the deputy governor. This allegation follows a recent court decision that reinstated Shaibu as deputy governor.
According to Chris Osa Nehikhare, the state’s Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Shaibu has been engaging in correspondence claiming to be the deputy governor. The government has urged the public to disregard such communications, emphasizing that the court’s reinstatement decision is still under legal review.
Shaibu was impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly and later reinstated by a Federal High Court in Abuja on July 19. However, the state government has challenged this reinstatement, with motions filed for a stay of execution and restraining orders against Shaibu. The next hearing in the case is set for September 24.
Nehikhare warned that any further actions by Shaibu that suggest he is the deputy governor could lead to security breaches, and security agencies have been advised to hold Shaibu accountable for any such issues. The commissioner reiterated that Omobayo remains the official deputy governor and any actions by Shaibu in this capacity are considered impersonation.