Since several weeks ago, Shaibu and Obaseki have not spoken.
The venue of a government event was evacuated by the deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, on Monday after some of his aides were turned away by security personnel.
A colloquium to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum was held at an event given by Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo State. It took place in Benin City, the state capital, at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub on Airport Road.
While the governor was giving his welcome words, Shaibu and a few of his aides arrived at the location around midday, but security personnel at the hall’s entry prevented the deputy governor’s aides from entering.
Security personnel attempted to explain the situation to the deputy governor, but Shaibu insisted that his advisers “must come with me” despite their efforts.
After trying unsuccessfully for several minutes to come to an agreeable deal with the security officials, the deputy governor told his aides, “Let’s go.”
Since several weeks ago, Shaibu and Obaseki have not spoken.
Obaseki, a leader in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is currently serving his second term as governor. In his accusation of Shaibu’s treason, he claimed that his deputy intended to switch parties in order to run in the state’s next election.
However, Shaibu had refuted the accusations and swore allegiance to Obaseki after obtaining a court injunction to halt the governor and the Edo Assembly’s “impeachment” of him.
On July 13, 1963, a referendum was held to establish the Midwestern Region of Nigeria, which is currently known as Edo and Delta states. Bendel State was originally created in 1976.
Other events planned to commemorate the Diamond anniversary of the Referendum and to bring together leaders from the two states and other stakeholders to map out a course forward include the colloquium that the state government is organising.
