Two Former Edo Deputy Governors Fight Dirty In Abuja Over Legitimacy
By Enyinnaya Appolos
The 4th Annual National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN), currently holding at the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre in Abuja, was briefly but rudely disrupted when two former deputy governors of Edo State, Philip Shaibu and Omobayo Godwins, engaged in a heated exchange.
Trouble started when the master of ceremonies introduced Omobayo Godwins as one of the former deputy governors of Edo State. Almost immediately, Philip Shaibu, who served as deputy to former Governor Godwin Obaseki from 2016 until his impeachment in April 2024, interrupted loudly from his seat.
“This guy is not a former deputy governor of Edo State! There is a court ruling that nullified his appointment as deputy governor,” Shaibu shouted, drawing the attention of participants and halting proceedings.
Omobayo Godwins, who replaced Shaibu in April 2024 following his impeachment, quickly fired back from his seat, insisting on his legitimacy. “I am a former deputy governor, and there is nothing you can do about it,” he retorted.
The verbal exchange created tension in the hall as both men continued to trade words. It took the swift intervention of other former deputy governors present at the event to calm the situation and restore decorum, as both were participating in their capacities as members of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria.
