A mild drama unfolded on Tuesday, October 28, at the fourth annual national conference of the Former Deputy Governors’ Forum in Abuja, when two former deputy governors of Edo State Philip Shaibu and Omobayo Godwins engaged in a heated confrontation over who is the legitimate representative of the state.
The incident occurred when Omobayo Godwins was introduced as the former deputy governor of Edo State, a description that immediately drew objections from Philip Shaibu, who insisted that the title rightfully belonged to him in line with an existing court judgment.
Eyewitnesses said the disagreement quickly disrupted proceedings at the high-profile gathering, as both men traded words over their respective claims to the office.
Shaibu, who served under Governor Godwin Obaseki before his controversial impeachment earlier in 2024, maintained that the court had nullified his removal, affirming him as the authentic deputy governor.
Omobayo, on the other hand, was appointed by the Edo State government to replace Shaibu following his impeachment, a decision that was later challenged in court.
The confrontation reportedly left participants and dignitaries at the event visibly unsettled, forcing organizers to intervene and restore order.
The Former Deputy Governors’ Forum serves as a platform for past state executives across Nigeria to deliberate on governance, leadership, and national unity.
As of press time, neither Shaibu nor Omobayo had issued a formal statement regarding the public altercation.
