The Edo State Government has issued a strong warning to the public to ignore any claims or directives from Philip Shaibu, who has been dismissed as the Deputy Governor, and is now accused of impersonating the current Deputy Governor, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins.
In a statement released by Osa Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, the government condemned Shaibu’s actions as “a blatant case of impersonation.” Nehikhare clarified that Shaibu is not the legitimate Deputy Governor, as the matter of his reinstatement remains unresolved in court, with the next hearing scheduled for September 24, 2024.
Nehikhare emphasized, “The Edo State Government has observed that Philip Shaibu is actively engaging with various institutions and organizations under the guise of being the Deputy Governor. This is an outright impersonation. We urge all entities to disregard any communications from Shaibu and treat them as fraudulent.”
He continued, “The legal battle over Shaibu’s purported reinstatement is ongoing, with hearings set for September 24. The State Government and the Edo House of Assembly are seeking a stay on the execution of the reinstatement and a suspension of the judgment, which would prevent Shaibu from claiming any official duties as Deputy Governor until the appeal is resolved.”
Nehikhare reassured the public, stating, “Omobayo Marvelous Godwins remains the legitimate Deputy Governor of Edo State. Any interactions or communications with Philip Shaibu should be regarded as impersonation, and those engaging with him do so at their own risk.”
The statement also called upon security agencies to be vigilant, warning that Shaibu’s actions could potentially disrupt peace and order in the state. “We are alerting security agencies to monitor the situation closely and hold Philip Shaibu accountable for any security issues arising from his actions,” Nehikhare added.
