The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Marvellous Godwins Omobayo, recently attended a Senate committee meeting on border and land matters, along with other deputy governors from across the country.
The role of the deputy governor’s office involves managing border disputes and related issues.
Hon. Omobayo’s presence at the Senate committee meeting may have laid to rest any confusion about the authentic deputy governor of Edo State.
This is particularly significant as the appeal of the Edo State government is still pending in the Appeal Court. The impeached former deputy governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu, has claimed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja is declaratory and binding until it is reversed, and has even gone ahead to threaten to force his way into office.
During his address to the Senate committee, Hon. Omobayo expressed gratitude to God for having to begin his political journey from the very top of the leadership ladder, an opportunity when all he sought at the time was simply the opportunity to serve the people as a lawmaker.
He also mentioned his father’s advice to avoid matters involving land and kingship and acknowledged the difficulty of reconciling this advice with the responsibilities of his office.
Hon. Omobayo assured the Senate committee of his commitment to working with key stakeholders to find lasting solutions to longstanding border disputes. He shared an example of how he successfully mediated a land dispute between the Enwan and Akuku communities, allowing for a temporary truce while a permanent solution was sought.
Refuting claims made by the opposition during his House of Rep election campaign, Hon. Omobayo asserted his innocence about any involvement in land disputes, emphasizing that he has refrained from taking sides or seeking personal gain despite his position and responsibilities.
The deputy governor called for peace and urged everyone to promote and work towards peaceful resolution of disputes.