Blessing Agbebaku, the speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, resigned from his position on Monday amid moves by lawmakers to impeach him. His resignation was announced by his spokeswoman, Ivy Adodo-Ebojele, in a Facebook post, which read: “Edo Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Chief Blessing Agbebaku resigns. Details later.”
Resignation Confirmed, Reasons Given
Ms Adodo-Ebojele later told PREMIUM TIMES that Agbebaku resigned for personal reasons and to promote peace and progress in the House. “He resigned for personal reasons and to allow for peace and progress to reign in the House of Assembly,” she said.
The resignation came amid ongoing efforts by some lawmakers to remove Agbebaku from his position. Shortly after his resignation, Yekini Idiaye, a member representing Akoko-Edo Constituency I, emerged as the new Speaker of the assembly.
New Speaker Emerges Under Zoning Arrangement
Idiaye, a third-term lawmaker, reportedly emerged in line with the assembly’s zoning arrangement, as reported by PUNCH Newspaper. The arrangement stipulates that when the governor is from Edo Central Senatorial District, the speaker should come from Edo North. PUNCH reported that Idiaye, being the oldest member from Edo North, was subsequently elected speaker.
The new speaker’s emergence followed a period of tension in the assembly, with PUNCH reporting that 17 of the 24 lawmakers had signed an impeachment notice against Agbebaku on Sunday night.
New Speaker Alleges Corruption and Poor Leadership
Addressing journalists after Monday’s plenary, Idiaye accused Agbebaku of poor leadership and alleged that his administration was characterised by corruption and prolonged adjournments. “We are not happy with his leadership style. His leadership is poor, and it has been drawing the work of the government backwards,” PUNCH quoted Idiaye as saying.
Idiaye said the lawmakers removed Agbebaku to prevent anything that could derail the state government. The resignation and subsequent leadership change mark a significant shift in the Edo State House of Assembly, with the new speaker pledging to address the issues raised.
