The unprecedented security measures, implemented in the early hours of September 30, 2024, appear to be a direct response to rumors that the controversially removed Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, was planning to forcefully reclaim his position following a recent court order for his reinstatement.
As the sun rose over Benin City on Monday morning, residents and government workers alike were met with an unusual sight. The typically bustling streets surrounding the Government House had been transformed into a virtual fortress, with heavily armed security personnel manning checkpoints and restricting access to the area.
I’ve worked here for 15 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” whispered a visibly shaken civil servant who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal. “It’s like we’re under siege in our own capital.”
At the heart of this unfolding drama is the bitter power struggle between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his estranged deputy, Philip Shaibu. The conflict, which has been simmering for months, reached a boiling point when the Edo State House of Assembly, in a move widely seen as orchestrated by Obaseki, voted to remove Shaibu from office.
Political analyst Dr. Amina Yusuf provides context: “This is more than just a personality clash. It’s a fight for the soul of Edo State politics. Shaibu was once Obaseki’s closest ally, but their falling out has exposed deep fissures within the state’s power structure.
Shaibu, refusing to accept his dismissal, took his case to the Federal High Court in Abuja. In a ruling that sent shockwaves through Edo’s political landscape, Justice J. K. Omotosho declared Shaibu’s removal invalid and ordered his immediate reinstatement.
Indeed, the Edo State government has yet to comply with the court order, citing an ongoing appeal. This standoff between judicial rulings and executive actions has created a constitutional crisis that threatens to unravel the fabric of governance in the state.
As the security lockdown entered its second day, the impact on everyday life in Benin City was becoming increasingly apparent. Government workers, forced to abandon their vehicles due to road closures, were seen trekking long distances to reach their offices.
I had to walk nearly two kilometers in this heat,” complained Mary Osagie, a clerical officer at the Ministry of Education. “And for what? Because our leaders can’t sort out their differences like adults?”
Local businesses near the Government House have also felt the pinch. Efe Igbinedion, who runs a popular food kiosk on Osadebey Avenue, lamented the day’s lost income: “No customers today. Everyone is scared to come near here. How am I supposed to feed my family if this continues?”
While the government has remained tight-lipped about the specific threat that prompted such extreme security measures, sources within the state’s security apparatus hint at concerns over a potential “civilian coup.
A high-ranking police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed: “We received intelligence that Shaibu and his supporters were planning to physically occupy the Deputy Governor’s office. Given the current tensions, such a move could have sparked widespread unrest.”
This sentiment was echoed by Sergeant Benson Osagie, one of the officers manning a checkpoint near the Government House: “Our orders are clear – no unauthorized personnel are to enter the premises under any circumstances. We’re here to maintain peace and prevent any attempts to destabilize the government.”
Critics of Governor Obaseki have been quick to condemn the security measures as an overreach of executive power. Opposition leader Chief Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama didn’t mince words in his assessment:
“What we’re witnessing is nothing short of a descent into dictatorship. A court of law has spoken, yet Obaseki chooses to respond with a show of force. This is not democracy; it’s autocracy in action.”
Civil society organizations have also raised alarm over the potential long-term implications of this standoff. Human rights activist Osaro Osakue warned: “When elected officials start ignoring court orders, we’re treading on dangerous ground. This sets a precedent that could undermine the very foundations of our democratic system.”
Despite the formidable security presence, sources close to Philip Shaibu insist that the embattled deputy governor has not given up on reclaiming his position. A senior aide, speaking off the record, stated:
“Comrade Shaibu is resolute in his determination to fulfill his mandate to the people of Edo State. He will exhaust every legal and constitutional avenue to ensure that justice prevails.”
The aide hinted at potential next steps, including seeking further judicial intervention and appealing to federal authorities to enforce the existing court order.
As night fell on Benin City, the standoff showed no signs of resolution. The heightened security measures remain in place, with no official word on how long they will continue.
Political commentator Dr. Eghosa Osaghae offered his perspective on the potential outcomes: “This situation is unprecedented in Edo’s political history. The longer it drags on, the more damage it does to the state’s stability and reputation. Something has to give, and soon.”
Possible scenarios range from a negotiated settlement between Obaseki and Shaibu to federal intervention if the crisis deepens. Some observers even speculate about the potential for a state of emergency to be declared if a resolution cannot be reached.
As Edo State holds its breath, the eyes of the nation are firmly fixed on Benin City. The resolution of this crisis could have far-reaching implications not just for Edo, but for Nigeria’s democratic institutions as a whole.
