The reinstated deputy governor of Edo State Phillip Shaibu claims that the legacy of Governor Godwin Obaseki has been ruined following the fallout of the duo.

Shaibu and Obaseki, former allies, fell out in the run-up to the September 21 governorship election won by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

But ahead of the inauguration of a new government on Tuesday, Shaibu claimed the fractured relationship between him and Obaseki has bastardised the latter’s good works in Edo State.

“Obaseki’s legacy is badly affected because, in the beginning, we started very well. There were good policies we were able to implement, but no matter how good your policies are, when you start fighting everybody, like your deputy, your monarch, even the Bishop, that fight is what the people will see, they will not remember the good things you’ve done,” he said on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

According to him, he and Obaseki are “yet to settle their rift” as they are still not on speaking terms.

Shaibu and Obaseki, once united, began their tenure as Governor and Deputy Governor of Edo State on November 12, 2016.

However, their relationship soured when Shaibu expressed his intention to succeed him as governor. This led to Shaibu’s impeachment, which he successfully challenged in court. He also alleged that on one occasion, Obaseki acted out erratically and threatened to deal with him.

“If you don’t want me to contest for an election, you should speak to me like an adult. You cannot call me and say ‘Phillip don’t contest this election. If you contest, I will destroy you.’

“Just as Obaseki said that, the activist in me woke up because, for me, it’s my constitutional right to contest for an election,” he said.

Shaibu accused him of causing division in various segments of Edo State such as the Christian community, and the traditional institutions.