The ongoing rift between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, has intensified, with the allocation of a significantly reduced budget to the Office of the Deputy Governor for the year 2024. The budget analysis revealed that N345 million was allocated to the deputy governor’s office, a stark contrast to the N19 billion allocated to the Office of the State Governor.
According to the budget signed into law on December 15, 2023, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government received N8 billion, which is substantially higher than the allocation to the deputy governor’s office. The House of Assembly was allocated N13 billion, and the Office of the Head of Service received N968 million.
Sources suggest that the reduction in the allocation to the deputy governor’s office is linked to his political ambition to succeed Governor Obaseki. Some lawmakers, believed to be loyal to the deputy governor, reportedly opposed the decision to pass the budget as presented by the governor, describing it as an “unfair appropriation.” However, these objections were allegedly overcome by other members.
While the budget appears to have caused divisions among lawmakers, a principal member of the House of Assembly denied any internal discord. Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu acknowledged the tension between himself and the governor, revealing that his office had not received any allocation for six months. He stated that he has been managing his office and other activities through contributions from friends and goodwill.
