Why Edo lawmakers removed Agbebaku — New Speaker

The newly elected Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idiaye, has accused his predecessor, Blessing Agbebaku, of poor leadership and alleged corruption, saying the lawmakers removed him to prevent the legislature from undermining the state government.

Idiaye, who represents Akoko-Edo Constituency I, emerged as Speaker on Monday after Agbebaku resigned amid moves by lawmakers to impeach him.

Speaking to journalists after the Assembly’s plenary, Idiaye alleged that Agbebaku’s leadership was characterised by prolonged adjournments and what he described as corruption.

He said the Assembly had faced “a lot of challenges” since Agbebaku assumed office in June 2023, alleging that plenary sessions were sometimes adjourned for as long as 30 days without explanation.

“We are not happy with his leadership style. His leadership is poor, and it has been drawing the work of the government backwards,” Idiaye said.

He said the lawmakers decided to change the leadership because they wanted the Assembly to support Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration and ensure that its activities did not hinder governance.

“That is why we removed him. We must encourage our performing governor. He is doing well. Anything that will derail or stop our performing governor, we must stop it,” Idiaye said.

Idiaye’s emergence was also linked to the Assembly’s zoning arrangement, under which the Speakership is allocated to Edo North when the governor comes from Edo Central.

As the oldest serving member from Edo North, Idiaye was subsequently elected Speaker.

The leadership change followed Agbebaku’s resignation earlier on Monday amid an alleged impeachment move. Reports indicated that 17 of the Assembly’s 24 lawmakers had signed an impeachment notice against him on Sunday night.

Agbebaku’s media aide, Ivy Ebojele, confirmed his resignation but said details would be provided later.

The former Speaker could not be reached for comment as his telephone line was reportedly busy, while Ebojele had yet to issue a further statement explaining the circumstances surrounding his resignation.

Members of the Assembly were also reported to have visited the Edo State Government House to formally inform Governor Okpebholo of the change in leadership.