Edo State Government Discredits Deputy Governor Amid Chapel Controversy
The ongoing dispute surrounding the renovation of the Interdenominational Government House Chapel in Edo State has taken a new turn as the government accuses Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu of exploiting religious matters for political gains.
The controversy arose when images surfaced online showing Shaibu holding a mass in an open field instead of the State Govt House Chapel.
Deputy Governor Accused of Profaning God’s Name
Responding to the images and public outcry, Rev’d Osagie Ehrunmwunse, SSA, Religious Matters, and Pastor-in-Charge of the Edo State Government House Chapel, criticized Shaibu for attempting to stir controversy and politicize religious sentiments.
Ehrunmwunse asserted that Shaibu should focus on his gubernatorial campaign rather than profaning sacred matters.
Government’s Clarification on Chapel Renovation
Ehrunmwunse highlighted that Deputy Governor Shaibu was present at the 57th EXCO Meeting on November 1, 2023, where approval was given for the renovation and remodeling of the Government House Interdenominational Chapel.
The project, awarded to BOUMS MULTINATIONAL CONCEPTS LIMITED, was documented in the EXCO Extract, indicating that Shaibu was aware of the government’s action.
Accusations of Mischief and Political Motives
The government contends that Shaibu’s actions, including the outdoor mass and claims of chapel closure, are part of a scripted attempt to generate religious animosity in the state.
Despite evidence of his knowledge of the chapel renovation, the Deputy Governor is accused of using sacred matters as material for his political campaign, a move criticized as “mischief taken too far.”
Government’s Advice to Deputy Governor
In advising Shaibu, the government urged him to redirect efforts used for mischief toward his political aspirations and cautioned against profaning God’s name for the purpose of gaining sympathy or attempting to blackmail the government.
The accusations and counterclaims add a layer of complexity to the ongoing dispute, raising questions about the intersection of politics and religious matters in Edo State.