Benin City – Since the inception of Senator Monday Okpbebholo’s administration as governor, numerous appointments have been made. However, one appointment that has encountered persistent gridlock is that of the Edo State Sports Commission.
On December 9th, 2024, Governor Okpbebholo requested the confirmation of members of the Edo State Sports Commission, nominating Amadin Desmond Enabulele as Executive Chairman, alongside Barr. Anthony Iluobe, Frank Ilaboya, and Baldwin Bazuaye as members. Upon their arrival at the State House of Assembly complex for confirmation, they were turned back, with the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) citing orders from the Governor to put the confirmation on hold.
Investigations revealed that Philip Shaibu, the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, was using his former Personal Assistant, Hon. Donald Okugbe—now a member of the State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Sports—to obstruct the confirmation of the Sports Commission nominees. This obstruction was allegedly due to the exclusion of Sabina Chikere, Shaibu’s sister-in-law and former Permanent Secretary of the commission, who was fervently seeking to return.
The question arises: what is Philip Shaibu’s hidden interest in the Edo State Sports Commission? Why is he so determined to reinstate Sabina Chikere as Director General, a position that does not officially exist?
Why is Philip Shaibu leveraging his influence through Donald Okugbe to prevent the constitution of the Sports Commission and create the office of Director General to impose Sabina Chikere?
During Sabina Chikere’s tenure as Permanent Secretary, Bendel Insurance sold 14 players, with Shaibu allegedly controlling the commission with greed. Where is the money from the sale of those 14 players?
The Edo State Governor should inquire of Philip Shaibu: how many Bendel Insurance players are truly owned by the state government?
What is Philip Shaibu desperately trying to conceal?
