The Edo State Government has relocated the office of the deputy governor to a building outside the government house.
The development followed the feud between the governor, Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu,
It was gathered that the new office is situated at no 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, close to the government house.
The new deputy governor’s office used to be the state Public Procurement Office commissioned by a former Governor of the state, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, on December 16, 2014.
We recall how the simmering crisis between Obaseki and his deputy had taken a new twist recently and how Shaibu staged a walkout of an event organized by the government after his aides were forced out of the hall.
The incident happened barely 24 hours after a Department of State Services (DSS) operative denied Shaibu access to Obaseki.
The incident happened at a church service to mark the 32nd anniversary of the creation of Edo State.
Aside from that, the governor has disbanded the media crew attached to the Office of the Deputy Governor.
Obaseki directed Shaibu to henceforth request for media coverage of activities from the Ministry of Communication and Orientation.
The battle for succession has pitched the deputy governor against Obaseki
Shaibu, who hails from Edo North Senatorial District, plans to succeed Obaseki, an indigene of Benin in Edo South senatorial district. However, Obaseki is reportedly pushing for a successor from Esanland in the Edo Central senatorial district.
But, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Governor, Musa Ebomhiana, when contacted, denied knowledge of any plan to relocate the office of the deputy governor outside the Government House.
According to him, “Until we are formally informed that the office of the deputy governor is now outside Government House, then we will react appropriately. But for now, I believe it’s still in the realms of rumour.
“As a responsible government, there are certain things that should be done normally. I cannot go and resume there because I saw a signboard there. If there is anything like that, they should write him (Shaibu) officially because it is a joint ticket”, he said.