Edo Assembly Speaker Resigns, New One Emerges

The Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Mr Blessing Agbebaku, on Monday resigned from his position amid reports of an impending impeachment by members of the assembly.
Agbebaku announced his resignation during a dramatic plenary session, which was characterised by procedural disputes over, who had the authority to preside over the sitting.
The sitting also witnessed the election of a new Speaker, Mr Yekini Idaiye (APC-Akoko-Edo I), and major changes in the House Majority leadership.
After a motion to reconvene was moved and seconded, the house proceeded to what members described as “very serious business.”
Consequently, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Atu Osamwonyi (APC-Orhionmwon East), presided over the sitting.
Agbebaku, who spoke from the floor of the house, subsequently addressed the assembly, and announced his resignation.
“I agree with all of you. The process is that today I have been asked to resign, because of that, I was supposed to lead the procession here to resign.
“I was not born to be a speaker. I think today, I am standing here as a hero,” he said.
Agbebaku, who represents Owan West state constituency, thanked Gov. Monday Okpebholo for his support.
“If he has a decision to give his government a peaceful trade deal, I think I have no choice but to obey his decision.
“We want peace in the state, and I have resigned,” he added.
In spite interruptions and calls for order, the house conducted a voice vote, with members chorusing “Aye” to accept the resignation.
Immediately after accepting the resignation, the house resolved to suspend Agbebaku to allow for an investigation into allegations against him.
The assembly cited “personal and parochial consideration by few individuals,” “personal interest, corruption, poor leadership and failure to uphold the oath of office sworn to” among the allegations against him.
It said the allegations included issues surrounding the prices of the Lexus 570 Jeeps and Hilux vehicles.
The house said the suspension remained necessary “to ensure that the weight of allegations, among others, is thoroughly investigated and uninterrupted.”
It further directed that “all documents and paraphernalia of office in his possession be handed over to the Clerk of the house.”
The house also resolved that “all political office holders attached to his office are dissolved.”
“Security agencies are to ensure that no official status of the office of the speaker is accorded to, or performed by the suspended speaker.”
Following the vacancy, Mr Sunny Ojezele (Esan South-East) nominated Mr Yekini Idaiye for the position of speaker.
The nomination was seconded by Mr Eric Okaka (Owan East) and subsequently carried through a voice vote.
The Clerk of the house then administered the Oath of Office to Edaiye as the new speaker.
In his remarks, Idaiye said the change became necessary for “better legislative work and effective application of parliamentary practice, devoid of alleged personal interest, corruption, poor leadership and failure to uphold the oath of office sworn to.”
He condemned the past leadership, saying: “Never again shall a blind and greedy man be allowed to lead this robust assembly.”
The house also received a letter from the All Progressives Congress (APC), announcing changes in the Majority Caucus.
According to the letter signed by the APC Chairman, Mr Jarrett Tenebe, Mr Jonathan Ibawamu was relieved of his position as majority leader and replaced by Ojezele of Esan South-East.
Similarly, Mr Adeh Isibor (Esan North-East I) was relieved of his position as Deputy Majority Leader and replaced by Mr Eugene Inegbeboh (Igueben).
The house also conducted the first reading of a Bill seeking to repeal the Edo State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Board Law of 1986, and enact the Edo Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Board Law 2026.
The plenary was later adjourned until Tuesday, Aug. 18.
In an interview after his election, Idiaye said leadership change in the house is necessary to align the legislature with developmental agenda of Gov. Monday Okpebholo.
He cited “challenges of corruption and poor leadership” under the former speaker, . Blessing Agbebaku, as reasons for the shakeup in the eight assembly.
“Under the leadership of the former speaker, we have been passing through a lot of challenges.
“Corruption here and there. Every now and then it is adjournment — we resume tomorrow, adjournment for another 30 days, 20 days — and we were all not too happy with this leadership style,” Idiaye said.
The speaker pointed out that a weak legislature directly affected the executive, adding that the house had to act to protect the governor’s performance.
“Once the leadership is poor, it will drag the work of the governor backwards. So we decided to say no.
“We must encourage our performing governor because he is doing very well.
“So anything that will derail the performance or that will deprive the governor of his performance, we have to do something about it. Hence, the change of leadership.”
Idiaye pledged full cooperation of the house to the state executive, describing the governor as a performing leader, who deserved legislative backing.
”I can assure all of you that we are going to do everything possible to support the governor.
“He is doing a lot for the people of Edo, so we have to cooperate with him to move the state forward,” he added.