Edo Assembly Gets New Speaker After Agbebaku Resigns

The Edo State House of Assembly has elected Yekini Idiaye, representing Akoko-Edo Constituency I, as its new Speaker following the resignation of Blessing Agbebaku.

Agbebaku’s resignation was formally announced during Monday’s plenary, which was presided over by Deputy Speaker Osamwonye Atu.

After the resignation letter was read, Sunday Ojiezele, representing Esan South-East Constituency, nominated Idiaye for the speakership. The nomination was seconded by Eric Okaka, representing Owan East.

The Clerk of the House administered the oath of office on Idiaye, who subsequently assumed the leadership of the Assembly.

The change in leadership comes amid reports of moves by lawmakers to impeach Agbebaku. Seventeen of the 24 lawmakers were reportedly said to have backed the impeachment process before his resignation.

The Assembly also approved changes to the leadership of its majority caucus following a letter from the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress.

Ojiezele was nominated as Majority Leader, while Ojie Inegbebor, representing Igueben Constituency, was named Deputy Majority Leader.

The House equally approved the nomination of Natasha Osawaru as Minority Leader following a letter from the National Democratic Congress.