The former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has explained that his decision to resign was made after he was asked to step down in what he described as an effort to preserve peace in the state.
Agbebaku resigned during plenary on Monday, shortly before lawmakers elected Yekini Idaiye, representing Akoko-Edo I Constituency, as his successor.
Speaking before his replacement was elected, Agbebaku said he had been asked to resign and decided to accept the decision despite the circumstances surrounding his exit.
“I was not born to be a speaker. I think today I am standing here as a hero,” he said.
The former Speaker thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for the support he received during his tenure, adding that he had no choice but to respect the governor’s decision if it was aimed at ensuring peace in the state.
“We want peace in the state. And I have resigned,” Agbebaku said.
Impeachment Pressure Preceded Resignation
Agbebaku’s resignation came amid growing tension within the Edo Assembly and reported moves by lawmakers to remove him from office.
Reports indicated that about 18 lawmakers had backed moves to impeach the Speaker.
Although there were claims that the pressure did not directly originate from the Government House, sources reportedly said some associates of the governor and senior APC members were involved in efforts to change the leadership of the Assembly.
Agbebaku was also reportedly accused of failing to facilitate the clearance of one of the governor’s nominees for an appointment, among other disagreements.
He was said to have arrived at the Assembly complex around 8 a.m. on Monday and instructed his staff to move his personal belongings from the Speaker’s office to the office of the member representing Owan West Constituency.
Idaiye Emerges as New Speaker
Following Agbebaku’s resignation, Deputy Speaker Osamwonyi Atu Osamwonyi presided over the plenary.
Sunny Ojezele, representing Esan South-East Constituency, nominated Yekini Idaiye for the Speakership, while Eric Okaka, representing Owan East Constituency, seconded the nomination.
Idaiye subsequently emerged as the new Speaker after securing 17 of the 24 votes cast by lawmakers.
The Clerk of the House administered the oath of office on him.
In his acceptance speech, Idaiye promised to introduce a new approach to legislative business, with a focus on effective parliamentary practices and the interests of Edo residents.
He said the leadership change was necessary to enable the Assembly to properly perform its lawmaking and oversight functions.
Idaiye criticised what he described as prolonged disruptions to plenary and unresolved legislative matters.
“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.
New Speaker Calls for Investigation
Idaiye also made allegations of financial impropriety against the former Speaker, 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 official functions associated with the Speaker’s office were not accorded to Agbebaku pending the outcome of the process.
More Changes in Assembly Leadership
The leadership changes extended beyond the Speakership.
APC chairman Jarrett Tenebe, who was present in the chamber, announced Sunny Ojezele as the new Majority Leader, replacing Jonathan Ibhamawu.
Eugene Inegbeboh emerged as Deputy Majority Leader, replacing Adeh Isibor.
On the opposition side, Uyi Omisigho was designated Minority Whip, while Natasha Osawaru Idibia was named Minority Leader.
The changes mark a major shake-up in the leadership structure of the Edo State House of Assembly.
Source: Edo State House of Assembly proceedings and reports from Benin City.
