Edo State Addresses DSS Officials’ Denial of Shaibu’s Church Access

The Edo state government has clarified that Governor Godwin Obaseki was unaware of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu being denied access during a church event on Sunday.

Tensions arose at the New Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin, where an incident unfolded involving a Department of State Services (DSS) operative preventing Shaibu from meeting with the governor.

Shaibu attended a thanksgiving church service to commemorate the state’s 32nd anniversary and noticed Governor Obaseki seated with his wife. Attempting to approach the governor, Shaibu encountered obstruction from a security officer, which Obaseki observed.

Reacting on Monday, Andrew Okungbowa, the governor’s chief press secretary, emphasized that Obaseki was uninformed about the security personnel’s actions. Okungbowa clarified that the security team was carrying out their duties and protecting their principal, considering the church event’s public nature.

Shaibu, following the event, reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to Governor Obaseki. He stated that while his commitment to supporting Obaseki’s governorship remains steadfast, personal ambitions do not interfere with his loyalty.