Nigeria Obaseki and Shaibu Clash Over Alleged Looting of Edo Government Assets

As Governor Godwin Obaseki's term nears its end, a dispute with reinstated Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has emerged over the alleged looting of Edo government properties. Shaibu warns officials to prevent theft, while Obaseki’s media team dismisses his authority, sparking tension ahead of the incoming administration's takeover.

Governor Godwin Obaseki and reinstated Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu are embroiled in a dispute over the alleged looting of Edo State government properties as Obaseki’s administration nears its end. Shaibu issued a circular on October 4, 2024, warning permanent secretaries and heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to prevent political appointees from taking government assets, emphasizing that they would be held accountable by the incoming administration for any missing properties. He criticized political appointees, including commissioners and advisers, warning that taking public assets would be considered criminal.

In response, Crusoe Osagie, Governor Obaseki’s media aide, dismissed Shaibu’s authority to issue such directives, claiming Shaibu remains impeached as deputy governor until the court decides otherwise. Osagie urged permanent secretaries and government workers to ignore Shaibu’s circular and continue their duties without intimidation, stressing that Shaibu lacks the legal power to make such declarations.

The dispute comes just weeks before Obaseki’s administration concludes on November 12, 2024, when Senator Monday Okpebholo, the governor-elect from the All Progressives Congress (APC), is set to assume office. The tension between Obaseki and Shaibu has added to the political friction as the state transitions to new leadership.