Former Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, has explained why he resigned from office on Monday.
Agbebaku said he stepped down after he was asked to do so in the interest of peace in the state.
His resignation came amid reports that 18 lawmakers were planning to impeach him and alleged moves by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and allies of Governor Monday Okpebholo to change the leadership of the Assembly.
Speaking on the floor of the House, Agbebaku said, “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.”
The former Speaker also praised Governor Okpebholo for supporting him during his time in office. He said he was ready to cooperate with the governor if that would help maintain 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,” Agbebaku said, adding, “We want peace in the state. And I have resigned.”
Sources told Vanguard that some close allies of the governor and senior APC figures had been working to change the leadership of the Assembly.
Agbebaku was reportedly facing criticism over his handling of a nominee the governor wanted the House to approve for an appointment, among other complaints from lawmakers.
Before announcing his resignation, Agbebaku arrived at the Assembly complex at about 8 a.m. and directed his aides to remove his belongings from the Speaker’s office and move them to the office of the member representing Owan West Constituency, which he represents.
Following his resignation, Deputy Speaker Osamwonyi Atu Osamwonyi presided over the plenary session.
Sunny Ojezele, who represents Esan South-East Constituency, nominated Yekini Idaiye for the vacant Speaker position. Eric Okaka, representing Owan East Constituency, seconded the nomination.
Idaiye won 17 out of the 24 votes cast and became the new Speaker of the Eighth Assembly. The Clerk of the House later administered the oath of office to him.
In his acceptance speech, Idaiye promised to bring a new direction to the Assembly and focus on effective lawmaking and the welfare of the people of Edo State.
He said the leadership change was necessary for the House to properly carry out its lawmaking and oversight duties.
“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 a few individuals, no tangible results were recorded. This is at variance with the benchmark set for this Assembly and by extension our people,” he said.
The new Speaker also criticised what he described as repeated disruptions to plenary sessions and the number of 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,” Idaiye said.
Idaiye also accused Agbebaku of financial misconduct, including allegations involving the purchase of Lexus 570 vehicles and Hilux vans.
He called for a full investigation into the allegations and directed security agencies to prevent the former Speaker from carrying out any official duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
The APC chairman in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, who attended the session, also read a communication confirming the appointment of Sunday Ojezele as the new Majority Leader, replacing Jonathan Ibhamawu.
Eugene Inegbeboh, representing Igueben Constituency, was appointed Deputy Majority Leader, replacing Adeh Isibor.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) also announced two changes. Uyi Omisigho, representing Oredo West, became Minority Whip, while Natasha Osawaru Idibia, representing Egor Constituency, was appointed Minority Leader.
