It was pure drama in Abuja on Tuesday as Philip Shaibu and Omobayo Godwins turned the Former Deputy Governors’ Forum into a political showdown.
The heated confrontation erupted during the forum’s fourth annual national conference when Omobayo was introduced as the “former deputy governor of Edo State.”
That single announcement set off fireworks. Shaibu jumped up immediately, rejecting the introduction and challenging Omobayo’s legitimacy.
The event briefly descended into chaos as the two men traded words before officials intervened to restore order.
Speaking after the clash, Shaibu didn’t hold back. He said the introduction was improper, insisting Omobayo was never elected by the people.
He said, “Omobayo was never elected but brought in through the backdoor.”
According to him, a court ruling had already nullified his impeachment, declaring that the deputy governor’s seat was never vacant.
But Omobayo fired back, distancing himself from the political drama.
He said, “I never made myself deputy governor,” describing the embarrassing face-off as “almost a national disgrace.”
The former deputy governor added that he had tried to remain calm despite the tension.
Recall that Shaibu was impeached in April 2024 and replaced by Omobayo Godwins.
However, a court later overturned the impeachment and reinstated Shaibu, a decision that has continued to stir political confusion in Edo’s power circle.
