The existing discord between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, has taken a new turn with the allocation of a mere N345 million to the Office of the Deputy Governor in the 2024 Budget. This allocation stands in stark contrast to the N19 billion designated for the Office of the State Governor, revealing a substantial budgetary cut for the deputy governor’s office.
An analysis of the budget, signed into law on December 15, 2023, underscores the significant difference in allocations, with the Office of the Secretary to the State Government receiving N8 billion—considerably higher than the N345 million allocated to the deputy governor’s office. Additionally, the House of Assembly secured N13 billion, while the Office of the Head of Service received N968 million.
Sources close to the House of Assembly suggest that the reduction in the deputy governor’s allocation is linked to his gubernatorial aspirations. Some lawmakers, purportedly loyal to the deputy governor, opposed the assembly’s decision to pass the budget as presented by the governor, terming it an “unfair appropriation.” Despite reported divisions among lawmakers, a principal member of the House of Assembly denied any such splits.
Last week, Deputy Governor Shaibu disclosed that his office had not received any allocation for the past six months due to the ongoing tension between him and the governor. Speaking at the unveiling of the Correspondent Office in Benin, Shaibu noted that he had been managing his office’s operations through goodwill and contributions from friends amid the strained relationship with the governor.
The budgetary discrepancies underscore the heightened political tensions within Edo State, reflecting the challenges faced by key government offices amid internal discord.