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The Edo State House of Assembly has opened a formal investigation into allegations of corruption and financial impropriety against its former Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku,
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The Assembly simultaneously dissolved all its standing committees as part of a sweeping reorganisation ordered by the new Speaker, Yekini Idaiye.
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A five-member ad-hoc committee headed by Bright Iyamu has been given two weeks to investigate allegations against Agbebaku, including claims of inflated costs in the procurement of official vehicles
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The lawmakers also confirmed nominees to the Edo Judicial Service Commission and Local Government Service Commission, while commencing the process for the screening of nominees to the Edo Electricity Regulatory Commission.
August 19, (THEWILL) — The Edo State House of Assembly has opened a fresh front against its former Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, constituting an investigative panel to probe allegations of corruption and financial impropriety against him less than 24 hours after his resignation.
The development came during plenary on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, as the Assembly, under the leadership of the new Speaker, Yekini Idaiye, simultaneously dissolved all its standing committees in a sweeping restructuring of the legislature.
The twin decisions have deepened the political and administrative fallout from Agbebaku’s sudden departure from the speakership, coming amid allegations concerning the management of the Assembly’s finances and procurement processes.
THEWILL had reported Agbebaku’s resignation as Speaker on Monday, August 17, following allegations of corruption and financial impropriety levelled against him..
Assembly Opens Agbebaku Investigation
Announcing the investigation during Tuesday’s plenary, Speaker Idaiye inaugurated a five-member ad-hoc committee to examine the allegations against his predecessor.
The committee is chaired by Bright Iyamu, while its other members were drawn from Akoko Edo II, Ovia North East II, Etsako East and Esan North East II constituencies.
The panel has been given a two-week deadline to investigate the allegations and report its findings back to the House.
Among the issues expected to come under scrutiny are allegations relating to the procurement of official vehicles, particularly claims that the costs of some vehicles were inflated.
The probe comes at a particularly significant moment for the Edo legislature, with the House undergoing a change of leadership and beginning a fresh administrative phase under Idaiye.
Governor Monday Okpebholo (centre) with the new leadership and members of the Edo State House of Assembly during a meeting following the emergence of Yekini Idaiye as Speaker and the leadership transition in the Assembly.
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All Standing Committees Dissolved
In another major decision, the Assembly dissolved all its standing committees.
Idaiye explained that the restructuring was necessary to enable the House to “re-evaluate legislative duties, improve administrative efficiency and give members new committee experience.”
The dissolution means that the existing committee structure of the Assembly has been dismantled, potentially paving the way for new assignments and a redistribution of responsibilities among lawmakers.
The move also gives the new Speaker greater latitude to reorganise the legislative machinery of the House as he begins his tenure.
The timing of the restructuring, coming immediately after Agbebaku’s resignation and the commencement of an investigation into allegations against him, is likely to make the new committee arrangements a subject of close political attention in the state.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
