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Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, resigned during Monday’s plenary after reports that 18 lawmakers had backed moves to impeach him, saying he accepted the decision “in the interest of peace” in the state.
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Moments after his resignation, lawmakers elected Hon. Yekini Idaiye, representing Akoko-Edo I Constituency, as the new Speaker with 17 of the 24 votes cast, marking a dramatic leadership transition in the Assembly.
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Agbebaku publicly thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for supporting him during his tenure, saying he chose to respect the governor’s decision if it was aimed at preserving peace, although reports indicated Government House denied orchestrating the move against him.
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The leadership change was followed by a shake-up in the Assembly’s principal offices, while the new Speaker accused the immediate past leadership of stalling legislative activities and raised allegations of financial impropriety that he said should be investigated.
August 17, (THEWILL) — The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned from office following mounting pressure from lawmakers, ending weeks of speculation over his continued hold on the leadership of the legislature.
Agbebaku announced his resignation during plenary on Monday amid reports that no fewer than 18 members had backed moves to impeach him.
Addressing lawmakers before vacating the chair, Agbebaku said he accepted the decision to step aside in the interest of peace and stability in Edo 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. I was not born to be a Speaker. I think today I am standing here as a hero”, he said.
The outgoing Speaker also expressed appreciation to Governor Monday Okpebholo for supporting him throughout his tenure, insisting he had no reason to oppose any decision intended to ensure peace in the 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. We want peace in the state. And I have resigned”, he added.
Earlier, Agbebaku’s media aide, Ivy Ebojele, had confirmed the resignation, saying details surrounding the development would be released later.
Idaiye Emerges New Speaker
Following Agbebaku’s resignation, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Osamwonyi Atu Osamwonyi, presided over proceedings that produced Yekini Idaiye, member representing Akoko-Edo I Constituency, as the new Speaker.
Idaiye was nominated by Hon. Sunny Ojezele, representing Esan South-East Constituency, and seconded by Hon. Eric Okaka, member representing Owan East Constituency. He secured 17 of the 24 votes cast by lawmakers before the Clerk of the House administered the oath of office.
In his inaugural address, Idaiye pledged to restore effective legislative practice and reposition the Assembly to focus on lawmaking and oversight.
Recalling the inauguration of the 8th Assembly in June 2023, he lamented that internal disagreements and personal interests had hindered the legislature from achieving its objectives.
“Parliament is about lawmaking, not a place of social meeting where only one decides when to sit or not to sit as presently practised”, he declared.
The new Speaker also alleged financial impropriety under the immediate past leadership, including claims involving the procurement of Lexus LX570 sport utility vehicles and Hilux vans. He called for a thorough investigation into the allegations and directed security agencies not to accord Agbebaku official privileges attached to the office of Speaker pending the outcome of any investigative process.
The leadership transition also triggered changes in the Assembly’s principal offices. A communication from APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, announced the appointment of Hon. Sunday Ojezele as Majority Leader, replacing Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, while Hon. Eugene Inegbeboh, representing Igueben Constituency, emerged as Deputy Majority Leader, replacing Hon. Adeh Isibor.
Another communication from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) named Hon. Natasha Osawaru Idibia, representing Egor Constituency, as Minority Leader, while Hon. Uyi Omisigho, representing Oredo West Constituency, was appointed Minority Whip.
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Political Intrigue Behind The Exit
Agbebaku’s resignation followed reports of growing discontent within the Assembly over his leadership.
Although sources insisted the pressure for his removal did not officially originate from Government House, THEWILL however gathered that some influential associates of Governor Okpebholo and senior figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) played key roles in pushing for a change in the leadership of the House.
He was also reportedly accused of failing to facilitate legislative clearance for one of the governor’s nominees for appointment, among other grievances.
Before plenary commenced, Agbebaku reportedly arrived at the Assembly complex around 8:00 a.m. and instructed his aides to move his personal belongings from the Speaker’s office to his office as the member representing Owan West Constituency, signalling that his resignation had already been concluded.
Agbebaku, who emerged Speaker when the 8th Assembly was inaugurated in June 2023, had been a central figure in Edo’s legislative politics. Originally elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he defected to the APC in 2025, a move that significantly altered the political balance within the Assembly.
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.
