Edo Assembly Speaker Resigns Amid Impeachment Move, Yekini Idiaye Takes Over

The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned from office amid moves by lawmakers to remove him.

Agbebaku’s resignation was confirmed on Monday by his media aide, Ivy Ebojele, who said further details on the circumstances surrounding his exit would be made public.

Following his exit, Yekini Idiaye, a third term lawmaker representing Akoko Edo Constituency 1, emerged as the new Speaker.

Idiaye’s emergence followed the state’s zoning arrangement, which provides that when the governor comes from Edo Central, the Speaker should come from Edo North. He was reportedly selected as the oldest member from the zone.

Speaking after Monday’s plenary, Idiaye accused the former Speaker’s administration of poor leadership and alleged corruption, including prolonged adjournments that he said affected the work of the Assembly.

He said the lawmakers changed the leadership to prevent anything that could hinder Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration from delivering on its agenda.

Members of the Assembly were subsequently expected at the Government House to formally brief the governor on the change in leadership.