WHY WE REMOVED AGBEBAKU — NEW EDO SPEAKER

The newly elected Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idiaye, has said his predecessor, Blessing Agbebaku, was removed by lawmakers over alleged poor leadership and corruption.

Idiaye, who represents Akoko-Edo Constituency I and is a third-term lawmaker, emerged as Speaker on Monday following Agbebaku’s resignation amid moves by lawmakers to impeach him.

Speaking to journalists after Monday’s plenary, Idiaye accused Agbebaku’s administration of poor leadership, alleged corruption and prolonged adjournments, which he said affected the work of the Assembly.

He said the House had experienced several challenges since its inauguration in June 2023 under Agbebaku’s leadership, including adjournments lasting up to 30 days without explanation.

Idiaye said, “His leadership is poor, and it has been drawing the work of the government backwards. That is why we removed him.”

The new Speaker said the change was necessary to ensure the Assembly supported Governor Monday Okpebholo in moving the state forward.

He added that the lawmakers would do everything possible to support the governor and prevent anything that could derail his administration.

Idiaye’s emergence also followed the Assembly’s zoning arrangement, which provides that when the governor comes from Edo Central Senatorial District, the Speaker should come from Edo North.

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

PUNCH Online gathered that 17 of the 24 lawmakers had signed an impeachment notice against Agbebaku on Sunday night, reportedly prompting his resignation on Monday.

His resignation was confirmed by his media aide, Ivy Ebojele, who said further details would be made public later.

Agbebaku’s telephone line was reportedly busy when contacted, while his media aide had yet to issue a further statement on the circumstances surrounding his resignation.