Edo state government has relocated the office of the deputy governor to a building outside the government house amidst the ongoing feud between the State governor, Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu.
The fight over who will be the state’s next governor is what is causing a rift between the duo.
It was gathered on Saturday that the new office is situated at no 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, close to the government house.
A government official, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the relocation of the deputy governor’s office as directed by the governor.
According to Obaseki, the relocation of the deputy governor’s office was due to the ongoing renovation of the State House where his office and that of the governor are located.
The source added that the governor will also be doing skeletal work in his office until the renovation is completed.
The government official revealed that the new office was supposed to be ready this weekend, but the contractor is yet to hand over the property.
He said: “Yes, they are preparing a new place for him. The state is renovating the office of the governor and that of the deputy.
“And that is why they are preparing a new place for him (the deputy governor) and his team. Even the governor will be doing skeletal work in his office until it is completed. So that is the position of things.
“The new office was supposed to be ready this weekend, but the contractor is yet to hand over the property. When the contractor does, the state government will make a statement on it.”
The new deputy governor office used to be the state Public Procurement Office commissioned by a former Governor of the state, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, on December 16, 2014.
The battle for succession has since pitched the deputy governor against the state’s number one citizen.
Shaibu, who hails from Edo North Senatorial District, intends to succeed Obaseki, an indigene of Benin in Edo South senatorial district, but the governor is pushing for a successor from Esanland in Edo Central senatorial district.
It could be recalled that Shaibu staged a walkout of an event organised by the government after his aides were forced out of the hall.
The incident happened barely 24 hours after a Department of State Services (DSS) operative blocked Shaibu from accessing the Governor Godwin Obaseki, on Sunday.
