Edo State Speaker Explains Motive Behind Resignation

The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned from his position amid reports of ongoing efforts by some lawmakers to remove him from office.

Agbebaku made the announcement during a plenary session on Monday, just before the Assembly elected Yekini Idaiye, representing the Akoko-Edo I Constituency, as his replacement.

In explaining his decision, Agbebaku stated that he was asked to resign in the interest of maintaining peace in Edo State, and he chose to honor that request.

“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 from the red chair.
“I was not born to be a speaker. Today, I stand here as a hero,” he remarked.

He also expressed gratitude to Governor Monday Okpebholo for his support throughout his tenure, noting that he had no choice but to respect the governor’s decision if it would help preserve peace in the state.

“If he has a decision contrary to giving his government a peaceful trade deal, I believe I have no option but to obey his directive.
“Our priority is peace in the state. And I have resigned,” Agbebaku added.

His resignation comes amid tensions within the Assembly and allegations from some lawmakers that he failed to facilitate the approval of a gubernatorial nominee for an appointment, among other issues.

Following his departure, Deputy Speaker Osamwonyi Atu Osamwonyi presided over the plenary session, where Yekini Idaiye was nominated and elected as the new Speaker with 17 out of 24 votes.

In his acceptance speech, Idaiye pledged to focus on effective parliamentary practices and the welfare of Edo citizens. He criticized what he described as ongoing disruptions to legislative proceedings and unresolved legislative matters.

Idaiye also raised concerns about alleged financial misconduct involving the previous Speaker, including claims related to the procurement of Lexus 570 vehicles and Hilux vans, and called for these allegations to be thoroughly investigated.