Edo accuses Shaibu of impersonation, files suit against his reinstatement

The Edo state government has warned organisations to stop interacting with Philip Shaibu, the reinstated deputy governor.

In a statement on Monday, Chris Nehikhare, commissioner for communication and orientation, said Shaibu is “impersonating” Omobayo Godwins, deputy governor of the state.

BACKGROUND

In July, James Omotosho, presiding judge of the federal high court in Abuja, nullified the removal of Shaibu as deputy governor.

The judge held that Shaibu’s impeachment by the state house of assembly was illegal and “politically motivated”.

The judge ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement and directed the inspector-general of police to restore his security detail.

After Shaibu was removed, Godwin Obaseki, governor of the state, picked Godwins as his deputy.

In a video via his X handle on Monday, Shaibu formally announced his resumption as deputy governor.

‘WE’VE FILED STAY OF EXECUTION’

Nehikhare said the state government has filed an appeal against the order reinstating Shaibu.

The commissioner said every correspondence from Shaibu should be “disregarded and considered as forgery”.

“The issue of his purported reinstatement is still active in court and the next hearing for the two separate motions filed by the state government and the Edo House of Assembly challenging the purported reinstatement by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court is fixed for 24 September, 2024,” Nehikhare said.

“The state, through the attorney-general of Edo state and the Edo house of assembly by their lawyers, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, and Ken Mozia, SAN, respectively, had in the motions sought an order for a stay of the execution of the purported reinstatement and an order suspending the judgment and restraining Shaibu from parading himself or attending any official function as deputy governor pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

“Therefore, the status quo is that His Excellency, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins, remains the deputy governor of Edo state and any correspondence carried out by any other person, including Philip Shaibu is an act of impersonation, and anyone who deals with him does so at his or her own risk.

“Security agencies are, by this notice, alerted to the potential breach of peace and are urged to hold Philip Shaibu responsible for any security breach in the state arising from his ignoble actions.”