Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has explained why he selected 38-year-old Marvelous Omobayo as the new Deputy Governor, emphasizing that Omobayo represents the state’s strong belief in the ability of youth to bring positive change to Edo.
Obaseki disclosed this during Omobayo’s swearing-in ceremony yesterday.
Omobayo Marvellous Godwins officially became the Deputy Governor of Edo State at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
The Edo State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, conducted the swearing-in ceremony, which followed the impeachment of Philip Shaibu by the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA).
The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Governor Godwin Obaseki, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, and other government officials, party leaders, and traditional leaders.
According to Obaseki, “At 38 years old, the new deputy governor is a symbol of our undying belief in the power of our youth to transform our dear State, bringing vigour and renewed energy to the drive to place young people at the centre of our politics and developmental agenda. He is a man for this season.”
The governor said, “It is with profound respect and humility that I address you this morning on this auspicious occasion of the swearing in of Omobayo Marvellous as our new deputy governor, who will be working with me in these last few months of my administration as we make progress on our promise to finish strong for the benefit of our dear people.
“We have run a very interesting and eventful tenure since we took office in 2016 and gained your trust to continue on our mandate for another term in 2020, and at no point in this journey did I envisage that I will be having to work with two deputy governors before the end of my eight-year run in office. But as the Bible says in Proverb 16: 9: ‘You may make your plans, but it is God that directs your actions.’
“The legislative arm of government, in the past few weeks, carried out their constitutional role, providing checks and balances in our democracy, and today, we have arrived at this difficult but inevitable juncture.”
He added, “As there cannot be a vacuum in government, we have by consensus selected Omobayo Marvellous to take over the baton as the new deputy governor of our dear State.
“A thorough-bred young professional, his choice will provide the needed impetus to rally round all interests and persuasions within the State to work more closely together in realising our vision for a viable, strong and prosperous state that will be the envy of all.”
In his remarks, His Royal Highness, the Imah of Somorika, Oba Sule Idaiye, thanked the Governor for this position, noting that the decision to appoint someone from Akoko Edo as deputy governor was historic.
“In the history of Edo State, you have broken the record again with the choice of a deputy governor from Akoko-Edo. We are all celebrating today. This is the biggest position ever for the area.
“You are a magician. As to how you arrived at the 38 years old Omobayo Marvellous Godwins is surprising. The deputy governor is a machine, loved by the people, pleasing to our people. We thank you for what you have done for our people. We thank you for this great thing you have done for our people.”