Security at the Edo State Government House in Benin City has been significantly increased following rumors that Philip Shaibu, the former deputy governor, is planning to return to his office. The situation has created tension within the government premises, especially as there is an ongoing legal dispute over Shaibu’s reinstatement.
According to reports, additional security measures have been put in place to prevent Shaibu from entering the Government House. Officers of the Nigeria Police Force and members of the state-owned Police Constabulary have set up roadblocks at the entrance to the building, ensuring that no unauthorized person enters.
Further steps to control access include a ban on vehicles entering Osadebe Avenue, the road that leads to the Government House. Staff and visitors now park their vehicles outside the area and walk long distances to reach their offices. This change in routine has left many government employees surprised.
“We were surprised to see heavy security in and around the Government House on resumption at the office,” said one civil servant who spoke anonymously. Another added, “Election has ended, and we expected to see a more peaceful state.”
The security reinforcement follows a court ruling on July 17, 2024, by Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which reinstated Shaibu as the deputy governor. However, despite this ruling, the Edo State Government and the House of Assembly filed a motion requesting a stay of execution, which the court rejected.
Shaibu had previously been impeached on March 18, 2024, with Governor Godwin Obaseki appointing Engineer Godwins Marvellous Omobayo as the new deputy governor. Despite the impeachment, Shaibu continues to insist that he remains the lawful deputy governor.
Tensions rose further after a statement from the Edo State Government on Sunday, alleging that Shaibu was planning to invade the Government House on September 30 to enforce the court’s ruling. Crusoe Osagie, the Special Adviser to the Edo State Government on Media Projects, warned that Shaibu’s alleged actions could lead to chaos.
He urged the Inspector General of Police and other authorities to intervene, saying, “We appeal to the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the state does not descend to anarchy because of the ambition of one man.”
Osagie also referenced a previous incident where a police officer lost his life during Shaibu’s attempt to enter the Government House, warning that a similar situation could arise if caution is not taken.
In response, Shaibu firmly denied the allegations through his media aide, Mr. Ebomhiana Musa. He dismissed the claims as false and emphasized that he is a peace-loving man who follows the rule of law.
“In the eyes of the law and in the eyes of the good people of Edo State and Nigerians, Philip Shaibu is the de jure and de facto Deputy Governor of Edo State,” Musa stated, urging the public to disregard the accusations as baseless.
