Edo Speaker Clarifies New Law, Says Financial Autonomy Remains Intact

The new Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idaiye, has assured workers and other stakeholders that the recent amendment to the laws governing the finances of the state legislature and judiciary did not abolish their financial autonomy.

According to information monitored by Ireporter Online, the clarification followed concerns and protests over the proposed changes to the Edo State Judiciary Financial Autonomy Law and the Edo State House of Assembly Funds Management Law, both enacted in 2023.

The controversy intensified after the two proposed repeal bills appeared on the Assembly’s Order Paper on August 19, 2026, prompting workers to protest within the legislative premises and temporarily disrupting plenary.

However, Idaiye explained that the amendments signed into law by Governor Monday Okpebholo were focused specifically on the management of capital funds and did not affect the recurrent financial allocations of the House of Assembly or the judiciary.

He said recurrent funds would continue to be released to the two institutions as before, while the executive would oversee the capital component through the appropriation process.

“The autonomy is still in place; there is no fear on any side, and the unions should not have any fear,” the Speaker said.

Idaiye maintained that the new arrangement was introduced because of concerns over the alleged mismanagement of capital funds in the past. He added that the legislature and judiciary would still submit proposals for capital projects for consideration and approval.

The Speaker also assured workers that their salaries would remain unaffected by the amendment, urging them not to be worried about the changes.

Governor Okpebholo, who signed the amended laws at the Government House in Benin City, expressed satisfaction with the resolution of the controversy and commended the lawmakers for their swift action.

The governor stressed the importance of maintaining clear boundaries among the three arms of government, noting that the executive is responsible for administration and implementation, the legislature for lawmaking and oversight, and the judiciary for interpreting laws and administering justice.

Okpebholo said his major concern was ensuring that funds earmarked for capital projects were properly managed and ultimately translated into tangible development for residents of Edo State.