By: Joy Musa
Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has filed a lawsuit against the Edo State Government and former Governor Godwin Obaseki, demanding billions of naira in what he describes as unpaid allowances and statutory entitlements accrued during his tenure from 2016 to 2024.
The suit, lodged at the National Industrial Court in Abuja, outlines a sweeping list of financial claims, including:
– ₦1.9 billion in security votes
– ₦1.5 billion for three armored Toyota Land Cruisers
– ₦1.5 billion for three Toyota Hilux trucks
– ₦85 million for his wife’s medical bills
– ₦100 million for a new residence
– Over ₦11.5 billion in travel duty tour allowances and other statutory entitlements
Shaibu’s legal action follows his controversial impeachment in April 2024, where 18 out of 19 lawmakers voted for his removal after a panel found him guilty of perjury and leaking government secrets. Although the Federal High Court initially overturned the impeachment, the decision was later reversed by the Court of Appeal.
Sources close to the former deputy governor revealed that Shaibu had previously approached the current administration under Governor Monday Okpebholo for settlement, but was rebuffed. The lawsuit now seeks to compel the government to fulfill what Shaibu claims are constitutionally backed entitlements.
Political analysts suggest that Shaibu’s legal battle may further strain his standing in Edo politics, especially as public sentiment remains divided over the legitimacy and scale of his demands. Some critics have labeled the move as a “self-inflicted injury,” pointing to his turbulent relationship with Obaseki and the fallout from his impeachment.
The Edo State Government has yet to issue an official response to the suit.
