…longest street in Epkedo, Akoko Edo LG to be named after him.
Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has restated the present administration’s support for the traditional institution in order to engender peaceful co-existence among the citizenry.
Shaibu gave the assurance when he paid a courtesy visit to the Onose of Ekpedo Land in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
Shaibu paying his homage to His Royal Highness, Oba John Afolabi Obabori, Onose of Ekpedo Land
The Deputy Governor who was a special guest of honour at the remembrance and thanksgiving service of Pa Oloruntoba Francis Medule and Mrs. Felicia Olaiya Oloruntoba at the Christ Apostolic Church (Oke-Igbala), Ekpedo, had in his usual manner of according respect to traditional rulers, paid a surprise courtesy visit to the revered monarch.
While responding to the issue of dispute and ‘level playing ground’ earlier raised by the traditional ruler of Okpe land, His Royal Highness, Oba John Afolabi Obabori, Shaibu said the State Government was not resting on its oars, as the issue will be given priority and fully addressed in the new year.
Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu in a Tete a Tete with Honourable Bamidele Oloruntoba in his residence
He posited that one of the measures taken by the Government so far includes a trip to the archive of traditional institutions in Ibadan as a guide in settling all the traditional disputes in the State, while citing the Avianwu community in Etsako Central as a case study.
The Deputy Governor assured the monarch and chiefs that the State Government will speedily resolve the issue at stake so that everybody can be his or her brothers’ keeper.
Shaibu at the palace of Onose of Ekpedo land
In his welcome address, a former member representing Akoko-Edo Constituency 2 at the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Bamidele Oloruntoba thanked Shaibu for his gentlemanly disposition and style of politics.
Bamidele said Shaibu was a man anyone should be free to work with as he was an exceptional politician with God’s heart.
“Despite our different political inclinations, we still keep our relationship as brothers and colleagues – that’s the beauty of democracy”.
” I’m a man of God, a prophet and I follow the voice of God in all the things I do. God has told me what to do and that’s what I will do. Where he goes, I go”.
“As a sign of respect and appreciation for his good heart, I will ensure that we name the longest road in Ekpedo Land after him – Philip Shaibu Road”.
There was, however, a special prayer for protection and divine guidance for the Deputy Governor by the congregation, led by the officiating minister, Pastor Emmanuel Aigbokhai.
Photos: Egbobawaye Imuegbe