Benin City, Nigeria – Political unrest in Edo State continues to escalate as police sealed the office of Marvellous Omobayo, the Deputy Governor anointed by Governor Godwin Obaseki, following a court ruling in favor of Philip Shaibu. Shaibu, who recently won a legal case establishing him as the legitimate Deputy Governor, had been in conflict with Omobayo, intensifying tensions within the state’s political scene.
On Sunday, September 29, a contingent of heavily armed police officers arrived at the Deputy Governor’s office in Benin City and restricted access to the premises. Although the specific reasons for the closure remain undisclosed, reports indicate that directives for the action came from Abuja.
The political landscape in Edo had already been strained following the victory of Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21 governorship election. Insiders suggest the recent sealing of Omobayo’s office could be linked to the aftermath of Shaibu’s court victory, with speculations pointing to underlying power struggles within the state.
In response, Omobayo’s office issued a statement condemning the police action as illegal and politically charged. The statement called for the immediate reopening of the office and encouraged the public to remain calm as efforts are made to address the matter.
The Edo State Police Command has yet to release an official statement on the operation. However, investigations are reportedly underway to clarify the circumstances leading to the deployment of officers to the Deputy Governor’s premises.
Amid the political uncertainty, civil servants have been directed to report to the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), while the official vehicles from the Deputy Governor’s office have been relocated to the government house.
Residents of Edo State remain on edge, watching closely for a resolution that could restore political stability to the state.
By shoutouttvblog
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