In a significant political shift, Godwins Omobayo has been sworn in as the Deputy Governor of Edo State by Chief Judge Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, succeeding Philip Shaibu who was removed from office earlier that day.
The House of Assembly, acting on the recommendations of a panel established by the Chief Judge, voted to impeach Shaibu.
Omobayo, an engineer and former Labour Party candidate for the Akoko-Edo Constituency, expressed his community’s pride in his appointment, marking the first time someone from their area has held the position.
Despite the change, the ousted Deputy Governor Shaibu has declared his intention to contest what he deems an unjust removal.
During his inauguration, Omobayo delivered a speech titled “A Day of the Lord: A Day I Will Never Forget,” highlighting the historical significance of his appointment for the Akoko-Edo region, which had previously been overlooked for high-ranking governmental roles.
“For my people in Akoko-Edo, it has been joy and excitement. Since colonial times, when the LGA was created, no administration has bothered to tempt Akoko-Edo with the position of deputy governor, even for one day. Akoko-Edo has not produced a state governor, no federal minister or other high-ranking government officers, except for the constitutionally-mandatory ones.
“Etsako has ruled the state as governor. It has also been lucky to produce some military governors and vice military head of state and several ministers. Etsako has additionally produced two deputy governors of this state. Owan too has produced a deputy governor, some House of Assembly speakers, among other highly-placed government functionaries.
“This history is important to explain why my people are very excited about this appointment, even though it is for only a few months. In the six local government areas that make up Edo North Senatorial District, Akoko-Edo is the oldest and the largest in population, and in voting population. It is the third largest in population in Edo State.
“In 1963, Etsako and Owan were one division, and they had four members in the then Midwest House of Assembly. Akoko-Edo was also a division with four members in the same House of Assembly. Today, the number for Akoko-Edo has reduced to only two, while other LGAs have had their numbers doubled or even tripled. So, we place importance on the decision of the Obaseki-led administration and the PDP to consider Akoko-Edo for this position.”
“My Principal, Governor Obaseki, has demonstrated from the outset of his administration that he is aware that Akoko-Edo is being flagrantly marginalised. He therefore, took practical steps to bridge the gap, as much as possible. His first Chief of Staff (CoS), Chief Press Secretary (CPS) and Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Research, Documentation and Writing were all from Akoko-Edo.
“He (Obaseki) has further entrenched the practice of appointing two commissioners from Akoko-Edo. In his time too, Akoko-Edo produced a Speaker of the House of Assembly, a deputy speaker and chief whip. And today, Akoko-Edo people have broken the yoke and shattered the jinx by producing a deputy governor in his time, on platter of diamond, designed by the Almighty and delivered by His Excellency.” he added
Governor Obaseki, who presided over the inauguration, affirmed that the proceedings were consistent with constitutional requirements.
The legislative assembly, led by House Majority Leader Charity Aiguobarueghian, acted on the findings and recommendations of the investigative panel, culminating in the impeachment of the former Deputy Governor.
The report’s details, however, were not fully disclosed.
