KEY POINTS

• Yekini Idiaye has emerged as the new Edo Assembly Speaker.
• Blessing Agbebaku resigned amid a reported impeachment move.
• About 18 of 22 lawmakers reportedly signed the impeachment notice.

The Edo State House of Assembly has elected Yekini Idiaye as its new Speaker following the resignation of Blessing Agbebaku from the position.

Idiaye, who represents Akoko-Edo I Constituency, emerged as Speaker during Monday’s plenary in Benin City.

The lawmaker was elected after Agbebaku stepped down, bringing a leadership change to the Edo State legislature.

Before the election, Deputy Speaker Osamwonyi Atu temporarily presided over proceedings and supervised the transition that resulted in Idiaye’s emergence.

Idiaye is currently the longest-serving member of the House from Edo North. He has represented his constituency in the assembly since 2019.

Agbebaku Resigns Amid Impeachment Threat

Agbebaku’s resignation reportedly followed growing pressure within the assembly.

According to reports, about 18 of the 22 lawmakers had signed an impeachment notice against him. Most of those said to have backed the move were reportedly lawmakers who had lost their return tickets to the House.

Rather than face the impeachment process, Agbebaku reportedly resigned his position as Speaker.

His departure has now paved the way for Idiaye to take over the leadership of the assembly.

The development highlights the political tensions within the Edo State House of Assembly as lawmakers position themselves ahead of the next political cycle.

Idiaye’s experience as one of the longest-serving lawmakers in the House is expected to be important as he assumes leadership of the legislature.

The new Speaker will now be responsible for guiding legislative proceedings and managing relations among lawmakers, the executive arm of government and other stakeholders.