Omobayo becomes new Edo deputy governor after Shaibu's impeachment

Godwins Omobayo was sworn-in as the new Edo State deputy governor on Monday, April 8, 2024.

The 37-year-old replaced Philip Shaibu following his impeachment from office by the House of Assembly.

Omobayo is an engineer and a former House of Representatives candidate of the Labour Party for Akoko-Edo Constituency.

Omotayo during his acceptance speech titled “A Day of the Lord: A Day I Will Never Forget,” at his inauguration held at the New Festival Hall of Government House, Benin, Omobayo said his appointment has made history for Akoko-Edo.

“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 heads 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 a platter of diamond, designed by the Almighty and delivered by His Excellency.”

Shaibu, the former deputy governor of Edo state was impeached on Monday, April 8, 2024, by the lawmakers after they adopted the recommendations of the seven-man panel.

The House Majority Leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian (Ovia North East 1), said the report of the panel had two findings and one recommendation.

He explained that the report of the panel was unable to establish the case of perjury levelled against Shaibu, but the panel found him guilty of disclosure of government secrets.

Shaibu in response to his impeachment swore to fight his illegal removal.

The former governor described the impeachment as a dangerous descent into dictatorship, a threat to democracy and display of tyranny and oppression.

He said; “I denounce in strongest terms the illegal impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly over trump-up charges. This is not just an attack on me as an individual, but on the very democratic principles that we hold dear. It is a dangerous descent into dictatorship, and a threat to the foundation of our democracy.

“Let it be clear that this impeachment was hatched because of my ambition to contest the Edo State 2024 governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), an ambition that is a legal right to all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It is a sad reality that in our political landscape, ambition is met with resistance, and those in power seek to silence opposition through illegitimate means. I have dedicated my life to serving the good people of Edo State with integrity and honesty. I have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our citizens.

“I have upheld the values of democracy and justice, and yet, in return, I am faced with baseless accusations, and a blatant disregard for due process and rule of law.”

“It (his removal) is a flagrant abuse of power, and a betrayal of the trust that the people of Edo have placed in their elected officials. We refuse to stay inactive, while our democratic institutions manipulate and exploit for personal gain.

“We will fight this injustice with every iota of strength in our being, for the sake of the people of Edo State, and the future of democracy.

“I call upon all well-meaning citizens of Edo and indeed all Nigerians, who believe in the principles of democracy and justice, to stand with us in this moment of crisis. We cannot allow tyranny and oppression to take root in our society. We must resist the forces that seek to undermine freedom and trample upon our rights.

“To the members of Edo State House of Assembly, who chose to forsake their oaths of office, and participated in this charade, history will judge harshly for your betrayal of the people who elected you to represent their interests. You do not have the power to silent the voice of justice and truth.

“I call upon the judiciary and all relevant authorities to intervene and uphold the principles of justice and fairness. Let the truth prevail over lies. Let the rule of law triumph over lawlessness. I am confident that the legal system will vindicate me, and expose the sham that has been orchestrated against me.”