The newly-sworn-in Deputy Governor of Edo State, Omobayo Godwins, has expressed his unwavering allegiance to Governor Godwin Obaseki, affirming his commitment to avoid power struggles and prioritize cooperation. In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Godwins emphasized his willingness to adhere to the directives of his principal without hesitation.
At 37 years old, Godwins acknowledged that he is still learning on the job and is prepared to execute tasks assigned to him by Governor Obaseki. He emphasized his readiness to leverage his strengths to add value to his role as deputy governor while avoiding conflicts with the governor.
Reflecting on his grassroots support in Akoko Edo, Godwins asserted his capability to bolster the political prospects of Ighodalo, hailing from Ewohimi in the Esan South-East Local Government Area.
Regarding the impeachment of former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, Godwins attributed it to the dynamics of politics and underscored the importance of loyalty in political engagements.
Meanwhile, Shaibu has vehemently rejected his impeachment, denouncing it as a threat to democracy and alleging that it was orchestrated due to his gubernatorial aspirations for the 2024 election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He condemned the impeachment as a descent into dictatorship and emphasized the right of citizens to pursue political ambitions within the framework of the law.
The rift between Governor Obaseki and Shaibu has been characterized by longstanding political tensions, with allegations and counter-allegations of disloyalty and subversion. While the governor accused Shaibu of plotting against him, the former deputy governor claimed that Obaseki instigated his impeachment.