The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, resigned on Monday amid reports that lawmakers had backed moves to remove him from office.
Agbebaku announced his resignation during plenary shortly before the House elected Yekini Idiaye, representing Akoko-Edo I Constituency, as his successor.
Speaking before his replacement, Agbebaku said he agreed to step down 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.
“I was not born to be a speaker. I think today I am standing here as a hero,” he said.
Agbebaku thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for his support during his tenure, adding that he was prepared to respect the governor’s decision if it would promote 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.
His resignation followed growing tension within the Assembly and reported efforts by lawmakers to change its leadership.
Although there were claims that the pressure did not originate from the Government House, sources alleged that some associates of the governor and senior All Progressives Congress members were involved in efforts to replace Agbebaku.
The former Speaker was also reportedly accused of failing to facilitate the clearance of one of the governor’s nominees for an appointment, among other grievances.
Agbebaku was said to have arrived at the Assembly complex around 8 a.m., summoned his staff and instructed them to move his personal belongings from the Speaker’s office to the office of the member representing Owan West Constituency.
Following his resignation, the Deputy Speaker, Osamwonyi Atu Osamwonyi, presided over plenary.
Sunny Ojezele, representing Esan South-East Constituency, nominated Idiaye for the Speakership, while Eric Okaka, representing Owan East Constituency, seconded the nomination.
Idiaye subsequently emerged Speaker after securing 17 of the 24 votes cast. The Clerk of the House then administered the oath of office on him.
Addressing lawmakers after his election, Idiaye promised to introduce a new approach to legislative business, with emphasis on effective parliamentary practices and the interests of Edo residents.
He said the leadership change was necessary to enable the Assembly to effectively perform its legislative and oversight functions.
“Very distinguished Honourable Members of the 8th Assembly, recall that on June 16, 2023, when this great Assembly was inaugurated, it came with a burning zest by the 24 wise and Honourable Members to legislate for the common good of our people.
“However, due to personal and parochial considerations by few individuals, no tangible results were recorded. This is at variance with the benchmark set for this Assembly and by extension our people,” Idiaye said.
He criticised prolonged interruptions to plenary and unresolved legislative matters, insisting that the Assembly must remain focused on its core responsibilities.
“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 said.
Idiaye also levelled allegations of financial impropriety against Agbebaku, including claims relating to the procurement of Lexus 570 vehicles and Hilux vans.
He called for the allegations to be thoroughly investigated and directed security agencies to ensure that no official functions of the Speaker were extended to Agbebaku pending the conclusion of the process.
Meanwhile, the leadership changes extended to other principal positions in the Assembly.
An announcement by APC chairman Jarrett Tenebe, who was present in the chamber, named Sunday Ojezele as Majority Leader, replacing Jonathan Ibhamawu.
Eugene Inegbeboh, representing Igueben Constituency, was appointed Deputy Majority Leader in place of Adeh Isibor.
The National Democratic Congress also designated Uyi Omisigho, representing Oredo West, as Minority Whip, while Natasha Osawaru Idibia, representing Egor Constituency, emerged as Minority Leader.