By Osaretin Osadebamwen
The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, on Monday resigned his position amid reports that 18 lawmakers had backed moves to remove him from office, bringing a controversial end to his tenure as Speaker.
Agbebaku announced his resignation during plenary shortly before the House elected Hon. Yekini Idaiye, representing Akoko-Edo I Constituency, as his successor. Explaining his decision, Agbebaku said he had been asked to resign in the interest of peace in the state.
“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 on the red chair,” Agbebaku said. He added: “I was not born to be a speaker. I think today I am standing here as a hero.”
The former Speaker thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for the support he received during his tenure, saying he had no choice but to respect the governor’s decision if it was intended to preserve peace in Edo State.
“If he has a decision contrary to giving his government a peaceful trade deal, I think I have no choice but to obey his decision,” Agbebaku added emphatically: “We want peace in the state. And I have resigned.”
His resignation came against the backdrop of reported tension within the Assembly and alleged moves by lawmakers to remove him. Agbebaku was reportedly accused of failing to facilitate the clearance of a nominee of the governor for an appointment, among other issues.
Following his resignation, Deputy Speaker Hon. Osamwonyi Atu Osamwonyi presided over plenary. Hon. Sunny Ojezele, representing Esan South-East Constituency, nominated Idaiye for Speaker, while Hon. Eric Okaka, representing Owan East Constituency, seconded the nomination.
Idaiye subsequently emerged Speaker after securing 17 of the 24 votes cast by lawmakers. The Clerk of the House administered the oath of office on him, formally completing the leadership change.
In his acceptance speech, Idaiye said the new leadership would introduce a different approach to legislative business and prioritise effective parliamentary practices and the interests of Edo people. He said the leadership change was necessary for the House to effectively discharge its legislative and oversight responsibilities.
Idaiye recalled that when the 8th Assembly was inaugurated on June 16, 2023, its 24 members were determined to legislate for the common good, but alleged that “personal and parochial considerations by few individuals” had prevented the Assembly from recording tangible results.
He also criticised what he described as prolonged disruptions to plenary and unresolved legislative business, declaring: “Parliament is about lawmaking, not a place of social meeting where only one decides when to sit or not to sit as presently practised.”
The new Speaker further alleged financial impropriety against the former Speaker, including claims involving the procurement of Lexus 570 vehicles and Hilux vans. He called for the allegations against Agbebaku to be thoroughly investigated and directed security agencies to ensure that no official functions of the Speaker were accorded to him pending the outcome of the process.
The leadership shake-up also extended to other principal offices of the Assembly. APC chairman Jarrett Tenebe announced Hon. Sunday Ojezele as Majority Leader, replacing Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, while Hon. Eugene Inegbeboh emerged Deputy Majority Leader. The NDC also designated Hon. Uyi Omisigho as Minority Whip and Hon. Natasha Osawaru Idibia as Minority Leader.
