There was drama on Sunday when a security aide to Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, denied his deputy, Philip Shaibu, access to his principal at an event.
The drama happened at a thanksgiving service to mark the 32nd anniversary of Edo State, held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, the state capital.
According to photos that have now gone viral on social media, the security operative was seen blocking Shaibu’s access to Obaseki during the event, while the governor was seen looking as the drama happened.
But speaking after the event, Shaibu stated that his loyalty and commitment to his principal remain absolute despite his ambition to succeed him.
Shaibu described Obaseki as his elder brother despite their rift, stressing that his loyalty had nothing to do with his ambition to become the governor of the state.
Shaibu, who has been on a one-month leave, had been at loggerheads with Obaseki over his governorship ambition.
Recall that the deputy governor had instituted a suit against his principal, the state House of Assembly, and others to stop a purported impeachment plan.
Reacting to the development, Governor Obaseki expressed shock at Shaibu’s action and accused his deputy of plotting a coup against him, further deepening the rift between the duo.
But in a swift reaction, the deputy governor said there was no truth to the coup allegation, adding that he has no plan to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
