Drama in Abuja: Ex-Deputy Govs of Edo, Shaibu and Godwins, Clash Over Legitimacy at National Forum

Abuja was the scene of an unexpected political drama at the just-held 4th Annual National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN), held at the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre, when two former Edo State deputy governors - Philip Shaibu and Omobayo Godwins - engaged in a heated exchange over who is the legitimate holder of the office.

The trouble began when the master of ceremonies introduced Omobayo Godwins as a former deputy governor of Edo. The moment the name was spoken, Philip Shaibu, who was impeached in April 2024 and later reinstated by the courts, interrupted from his seat with a loud protest:

"This guy is not a former deputy governor of Edo State! There is a court ruling that nullified his appointment as deputy governor!ÔÇØ

Godwins, who assumed the office after Shaibu's impeachment, fired back immediately:

"I am a former deputy governor, and there is nothing you can do about it,ÔÇØ he retorted.

A tense back-and-forth ensued, with both men trading accusations and counterclaims. The disruption forced other ex-deputy governors present to intervene and restore order before the conference could proceed.

Shaibu was impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly in April 2024 following allegations including "disclosure of government secrets.ÔÇØ

In July 2024, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified that impeachment, declaring it unconstitutional, and ordered Shaibu's reinstatement.

The Edo House of Assembly appealed that decision, but in August 2024, the Court of Appeal affirmed Shaibu's reinstatement, effectively voiding the state legislature's attempt to remove him and setting aside Godwins' appointment.