Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has reportedly ordered the immediate dismissal of Mrs. Sabina Chikere, the former Permanent Secretary of the State Sports Commission, according to information obtained by METROWATCHXTRA.COM.
In mid-August, Obaseki had reassigned Chikere from the Sports Commission to the Central Administration Department at the Government House in Benin City amid a feud with his deputy, Philip Shaibu. Mrs. Chikere had also been serving as the General Coordinator of Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin.
Notably, she is the sister-in-law of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, who is currently embroiled in a political battle with Governor Obaseki over the 2024 gubernatorial succession plans.
A source at the government house confirmed the news on Friday, linking the dismissal to the ongoing dispute between Governor Obaseki and his deputy.
“Yes, it is true! Madam (Sabina Chikere) has been fired by Mr. Governor,” the source stated.
This development comes just 72 hours after Deputy Governor Shaibu withdrew his impeachment lawsuit against Governor Obaseki. Shaibu had filed a lawsuit at a Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an injunction to prevent Obaseki, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, the Chief Judge of Edo State, and others from initiating an impeachment process against him. However, on September 5, 2023, Deputy Governor Shaibu decided to withdraw the lawsuit, citing the need to respect the interventions of various prominent individuals, including religious and traditional leaders, and expressing appreciation for Governor Obaseki’s agreement to peace initiatives.