The letter directing the Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu’s office outside the government house has surfaced.
The PUNCH reported that it was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, and surfaced on Tuesday morning.
Shaibu, on Monday, had denied knowledge of the relocation of his office, when he was reportedly locked out, noting that he had not been served a letter to quit the government house premises for another location.
The embattled deputy governor also said that only the civil servants were instructed through a letter to move into the new office.
However, the letter by Ogie addressed to the deputy governor, stated that Governor Godwin Obaseki had directed that the Shaibu should relocate to the new office address.
The letter, dated September 15, 2023, was received by a Permanent Secretary in the office of the deputy governor, and acknowledged on Monday, September 18, 2023.
The memo was titled: “Relocation of Office Accommodation”.
It read, “I write to inform you that His Excellency, the Governor, has approved the relocation of your office accommodation to No 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, G.R.A., Benin City.
“You are therefore requested to ensure your compliance in line with Mr Governor’s approval, please.”
The political tussle between Shaibu and his principal began earlier in August, after the former instituted a suit in an Abuja Federal High Court, seeking the protection of the court from an alleged attempt by the governor to use the Edo State House of Assembly and others to impeach him.
The governor swiftly reacted to the suit by disbanding the media crew of the deputy governor and relocating his office from the main Government House.
Weeks ago, some notable citizens of the state from the political and religious circles waded into the matter, making Shaibu withdraw the case from court.
However, Shaibu’s office at the government house has still not been opened to him.
