Omobayo Godwin has replaced Mr Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.
Godwin, 38, took the oath of office at the Edo State Government House in Benin City on Monday, a few hours after the state House of Assembly impeached Shaibu over alleged disclosure of official secrets.
A seven-member panel set up by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, had earlier found Shaibu guilty of the alleged offence and recommended his impeachment.
The decision of the assembly was immediately forwarded to Governor Godwin Obaseki.
He acted on the decision of the House, quickly nominating Godwin for confirmation and inauguration as Shaibu ‘s successor.
The impeachment of Shaibu came after a prolonged political disagreement between him and Obaseki, particularly worsened by Shaibu’s bid to contest the next Edo governorship poll on the ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to which both of them belong.
A brief biography of Godwin
Omobayo Godwin is a trained engineer. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
He possesses an additional Master’s Degree in Public Administration; both degrees from the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
Gowin was born on July 19, 1986 in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state, beginning a life’s journey through primary and secondary education to reach the academic attainments of today.
In 2023, he contested the Ako-Edo Federal Constituency seat on the platform of Labour Party before his latest foray into the PDP.
Speaking soon after his inauguration, Godwin pledged total loyalty to Obaseki, giving assurances that he would work with him till the completion of his second term of office.
How Shaibu was impeached
The impeachment followed the adoption of the report of a seven-man committee earlier empanelled by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, which investigated allegations of misconduct raised against Shaibu by the Legislature.
The House, in the report, presented by its Majority Leader in Benin City, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, said the judicial panel made two findings and one recommendation, adding that though perjury could not be established against Shaibu, he was found guilty of disclosure of government secrets.
The panel tersely recommended the impeachment of Shaibu, a former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
A total of 18 lawmakers voted on Monday to sack Shaibu, though there were 19 present in the chamber.
Following the conclusion of voting, the Speaker, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, directed that the copies of the impeachment should be forwarded to governor Obaseki for his signature.
