New Edo Assembly Speaker accuses predecessor of corruption, pledges support for Okpebholo

The newly elected Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idiaye, says leadership change in the House is necessary to align the legislature with developmental agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Speaking in an interview after his swearing-in in Benin on Monday, August 17, 2026, Idiaye cited “challenges of corruption and poor leadership” under the former speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, as reasons for the shakeup in the eighth assembly.

He said: “Under the leadership of the former speaker, we have been passing through a lot of challenges.

“Corruption here and there. Every now and then it is adjournment — we resume tomorrow, adjournment for another 30 days, 20 days — and we were all not too happy with this leadership style.”

The speaker stressed that a weak legislature affected the executive, adding that the House had to act to protect the governor’s performance.

Idiaye said: “Once the leadership is poor, it will drag the work of the governor backwards. So we decided to say no.

“We must encourage our performing governor because he is doing very well.

“So anything that will derail the performance or that will deprive the governor of his performance, we have to do something about it. Hence, the change of leadership.”

Edo Assembly Speaker resigns

Idiaye pledged full cooperation of the lawmakers to the state executive, describing Okpebholo as a performing leader who deserved legislative backing.

The speaker added: “I can assure all of you that we are going to do everything possible to support the governor.

“He is doing a lot for the people of Edo State; so we have to cooperate with him to move the state forward.”

Idiaye was sworn in on Monday, following the resignation of the former speaker, Agbebaku, over allegations of inflating prices of Lexus 570 Jeeps and Hilux vehicles.

The House also announced changes in its majority leadership, with Sanny OJezele (Esan South-East) emerging as Majority Leader.