Yekini Idiaye has emerged as the new Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly after Blessing Agbebaku resigned from the position on Monday.
Agbebaku’s resignation came amid reported moves by lawmakers to remove him from office.
Agbebaku’s resignation was confirmed by his media aide, Ivy Ebojele, in a Facebook post.
“EDO ASSEMBLY SPEAKER RT HON CHIEF BLESSING AGBEBAKU RESIGNS,” Ebojele wrote.
She said further details about the circumstances surrounding the resignation would be released later.
Agbebaku later said his decision was based on personal reasons and was taken in the interest of peace, Edo State and his Owan West constituency.
Idiaye Takes Over Leadership
Idiaye, who represents Akoko-Edo Constituency I, was elected Speaker during Monday’s plenary.
The Clerk of the House administered the oath of office to him after lawmakers formally acknowledged Agbebaku’s resignation.
Idiaye is a third-term lawmaker and previously served as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.
The Deputy Speaker, Osamwonyi Atu, temporarily presided over the proceedings before Idiaye’s election.
Idiaye alleged that lawmakers removed Agbebaku over poor leadership and corruption.
He criticised the former Speaker’s administration, alleging that the House experienced repeated adjournments, including some that lasted about 30 days without explanation.
“We are not happy with his leadership style. His leadership is poor, and it has been drawing the work of the government backwards,” Idiaye said.
The new Speaker also alleged that the former administration had questions to answer over the purchase of official vehicles for lawmakers.
The allegations include claims that the prices of Lexus 570 vehicles and Toyota Hilux trucks bought for members were inflated.
Impeachment Threats Preceded Exit
Agbebaku’s resignation followed reported efforts by lawmakers to begin impeachment proceedings against him.
Reports differed on the number of lawmakers who allegedly signed the impeachment notice, with figures ranging from 17 to 18 out of the 24-member Assembly.
The exact issues behind the reported impeachment effort were not immediately clear when Agbebaku resigned.
Reports also linked the dispute to political differences within the state’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), although the claims had not been independently established.
Idiaye said the new leadership would support Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.
“We must encourage our performing governor. He is doing well, anything that will derail or stop our performing governor, we must stop it,” he said.
Agbebaku had not publicly responded to Idiaye’s allegations at the time of the reports.
The new Speaker later ordered the suspension of Agbebaku’s official status pending an investigation into the allegations, according to another online news media, Daily Post.
He also directed that documents and official items linked to the former Speaker’s office be handed over to the Clerk of the House.
The leadership change has placed the Edo Assembly under fresh political pressure as the new Speaker begins his tenure.
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