The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned from office amid moves by lawmakers to remove him from the position.
Agbebaku’s resignation took effect on Monday and was confirmed by his media aide, Ivy Ebojele, who said further details about the development would be made public later.
The resignation came after lawmakers reportedly began moves to impeach the Speaker. PUNCH reported that 17 of the 24 members had signed a notice of impeachment on Sunday night, while The Guardian reported that 18 lawmakers had signed the notice.
Following Agbebaku’s resignation, Yekini Idiaye, representing Akoko-Edo Constituency I, emerged as the new Speaker of the Assembly. Idiaye is a third-term member of the House.
In his first comments after taking over, Idiaye criticised Agbebaku’s leadership, alleging problems including corruption and prolonged adjournments that, according to him, affected the work of the legislature. He said the change was necessary to support Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.
Agbebaku had served as Speaker since June 2023. His sudden departure has therefore brought a new leadership arrangement to the 24-member Edo State House of Assembly.
The circumstances surrounding the resignation and the issues that led to the reported impeachment moves are expected to become clearer as the new leadership settles into office.
