Benin City, Edo State – The office of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, located on Osadebe Avenue in the state capital, has been sealed off by heavily armed policemen. The closure, observed on Sunday, follows the escalating tension between Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The sealed office had previously served as Shaibu’s new workspace after his relocation from the Government House, amidst his ongoing dispute with the governor. On Sunday, the entry gate to the office remained locked, with a police truck mounted with a machine gun stationed at the entrance, guarded by three armed officers.
Reports indicate that staff from the deputy governor’s office were directed on Friday to report to the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Agency (JOOPSA), marking a relocation of administrative activities. Additionally, the official vehicles, including the Press Crew bus, were transferred to the office of the Head of Service within the Government House premises.
A staff member, who requested anonymity, confirmed the development, stating, “As civil servants, we were instructed on Thursday to resume at JOOPSA, which we did on Friday and will continue on Monday.”
