Edo Assembly: Yekini Idiaye Emerges Speaker as Agbebaku Resigns Amid Impeachment Threat
The Edo State House of Assembly has elected Yekini Idiaye as its new Speaker following the resignation of Blessing Agbebaku from the position.
Idiaye, a three-term member of the Assembly and former Deputy Speaker, previously chaired the House Committee on Education. He represents Edo North.
Agbebaku’s resignation came amid growing pressure from lawmakers and an alleged move to impeach him. Although no official reason was initially given for his resignation, sources said attempts to persuade lawmakers to halt the impeachment process were unsuccessful.
According to sources, Agbebaku was reportedly given the option of resigning or facing impeachment after an impeachment notice allegedly signed by 18 of the Assembly’s 24 members was presented.
Agbebaku became Speaker in June 2023 after the inauguration of the seventh Edo State House of Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He later defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the emergence of Monday Okpebholo as governor.
He was reportedly the only principal officer who retained his position after the APC gained a majority in the Assembly.
Sources also claimed that the Edo APC leadership, led by Jarret Tenebe, supported Agbebaku’s resignation.
Idiaye takes over
Following the announcement of Agbebaku’s resignation, Idiaye was sworn in as the new Speaker.
Speaking with journalists after his emergence, Idiaye said the decision to remove Agbebaku was taken by members of the House.
He alleged that the former Speaker’s leadership was affected by issues including corruption allegations, frequent adjournments and what he described as poor management of the Assembly.
Idiaye said the Assembly had experienced several challenges since its inauguration in June 2023.
“Since then we have been passing through a lot of challenges. Corruption here and there. Adjournment here and there, sometimes for 30 days without a cause. We are not happy with his leadership style.”
He further accused the former Speaker’s leadership of slowing down the work of the state government.
“That was 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 promised that the new leadership would work closely with Governor Monday Okpebholo to advance the state’s development.
New Speaker raises corruption allegations
In his acceptance speech, Idiaye alleged that Agbebaku had been suspended to face corruption-related allegations, including claims involving the purchase of Lexus 570 SUVs and Hilux vehicles.
He also criticised the former leadership for what he described as excessive control over the Assembly’s activities.
According to him, parliamentary business was affected by prolonged adjournments, which allegedly resulted in bills, petitions and other legislative matters being delayed.
He argued that the Assembly should function primarily as a law-making institution rather than operate according to the decisions of a single individual.
“Parliament is about law-making, not a place of social meeting where only one person decides when to sit or not to sit.”
Idiaye also questioned the manner in which the office of Deputy Speaker was being utilised, arguing that the position was created to assist the Speaker and should not result in the suspension of plenary activities.
He maintained that the new leadership would work to restore what he described as stability and effectiveness to the Assembly.
The change in leadership marks another major development in Edo’s political landscape, coming after the change in the state government and the subsequent shift in the balance of power within the Assembly.
