Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned from office, saying he stepped down after being asked to do so in the interest of peace in the state.
Agbebaku announced his resignation during plenary on Monday, amid reported moves by lawmakers to remove him from office.
He was succeeded by Yekini Idaiye, representing Akoko-Edo I Constituency, who was elected as the new Speaker.
Explaining his decision, Agbebaku said he had been asked to resign and chose to respect the decision to prevent further tension in the state.
“I agree with all of you. The process is that today I have been asked to resign. Because of that, I was supposed to lead the procession here to resign on the red chair.
“I was not born to be a speaker. I think today I am standing here as a hero,” he said.
The former Speaker also thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for his support during his tenure, stressing that he had no choice but to respect the governor’s decision if doing so would promote peace in Edo State.
“If he has a decision contrary to giving his government a peaceful trade deal, I think I have no choice but to obey his decision.
“We want peace in the state. And I have resigned,” Agbebaku said.
His resignation followed reports of growing tension within the Assembly and alleged attempts by some lawmakers to remove him.
He was also reportedly accused of failing to facilitate the clearance of one of the governor’s nominees for an appointment, among other issues.
Following his resignation, Deputy Speaker Osamwonyi Atu Osamwonyi presided over the sitting, during which Idaiye was nominated and elected Speaker with 17 of the 24 votes cast.
In his acceptance speech, Idaiye pledged to prioritise effective parliamentary practices and the interests of Edo residents.
He also criticised what he described as prolonged disruptions to plenary and unresolved legislative business.
The new Speaker further alleged financial impropriety involving his predecessor, including claims surrounding the procurement of Lexus 570 vehicles and Hilux vans, and called for the allegations to be investigated.
