Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and his deputy, Phillip Shaibu, found themselves in a new confrontation on Monday, with reports suggesting that the governor prevented Shaibu from accessing his office.
Multiple sources within the government house confirmed that Deputy Governor Shaibu and his security team attempted to enter the governor's office. Despite being informed that Governor Obaseki was absent, Shaibu insisted on gaining access.
According to an insider, "All entreaties by the security operatives to him to kindly go back and call the governor if he wanted to see his principal were rebuffed. Instead, he kept pushing the gate, causing a scene. Observers are worried that he may physically attack the governor."
Another source revealed that the gate to the Deputy Governor's office and the main entrance to the building were secured with chains and heavy padlocks. After waiting for about an hour, Shaibu and his team eventually left. He attempted to reach the Governor but was unsuccessful.
Subsequent checks indicated Shaibu engaged the state Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) about the situation. He also sought clarification from the Government House Camp Commandant, Ibrahim Babatunde, who explained that it was a directive from higher authorities.
The Chief Security Officer, Williams Wabba, was cited as the person best positioned to provide further details. Despite Shaibu's call, Wabba did not arrive until after the deputy governor had departed.