Fresh Details Emerge As New Edo Speaker Reveals Why Agbebaku Was Removed

The newly elected Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idiaye, has alleged that corruption and poor leadership contributed to the removal of his predecessor, Blessing Agbebaku.

According to Ireporter Online, Idiaye, who represents Akoko Edo Constituency I, emerged as Speaker on Monday following Agbebaku’s resignation amid growing tension within the Assembly and reported moves to impeach him.

Speaking with journalists after the plenary session, Idiaye criticised the former Speaker’s leadership, alleging that the House had experienced prolonged adjournments and other administrative challenges under his watch.

The new Speaker claimed that the Assembly, which was inaugurated in June 2023 under Agbebaku’s leadership, had been hampered by what he described as corruption and frequent unexplained adjournments.

Idiaye alleged that some sittings were postponed for as long as 30 days without sufficient justification, arguing that the situation affected the effectiveness of the legislature and hindered the state government’s activities.

He said the lawmakers were dissatisfied with Agbebaku’s leadership style and decided that a change was necessary to prevent further setbacks.

Idiaye also pledged that the new leadership of the Assembly would work closely with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration and support initiatives aimed at advancing the state.

He explained that his emergence was also consistent with the Assembly’s zoning arrangement, under which the Speakership is allocated to Edo North when the governor comes from Edo Central.

As the oldest serving lawmaker from Edo North, Idiaye was subsequently elected to lead the House.

The new Speaker assured residents that the Assembly would focus on improving its legislative duties and maintaining cooperation with the executive arm of government.

However, as of the time of filing this report, Agbebaku had not publicly responded to the allegations made by his successor.