Edo Assembly Erupts in Leadership Crisis as Speaker Resigns and Faces Suspension

(Edo State House of Assembly. Photo by News Express)

The Edo State House of Assembly has suspended the preceding Speaker Blessing Agbebaku following his resignation from the position, with the disciplinary action announced barely an hour after his departure.

Agbebaku stepped down during plenary proceedings after lawmakers signalled intent to commence impeachment action against him, citing allegations of financial impropriety and administrative deficiency.

His spokesperson confirmed the resignation through a social media statement, without immediately elaborating on the circumstances surrounding his decision.

Following his departure, the legislature elected Yekini Idiaye, representing Akoko-Edo Constituency, as the new Speaker.

During his inaugural address, Idiaye declared the suspension of his predecessor pending investigation completion.

He attributed the leadership transition to Agbebaku's inadequate direction of the Assembly and emphasised that the change was requisite for restoring effective legislative operations.

He contended that lawmakers' repeated attempts to address institutional challenges under the former Speaker's tenure had encountered resistance, precipitating prolonged adjournments and legislative gridlock.

Idiaye characterised the legislature's proper function as law-making rather than a social forum subject to the discretionary scheduling preferences of individual leadership.

Agbebaku, who entered the legislature under the Peoples Democratic Party banner before emerging as Speaker, subsequently defected to the All-Progressives Congress in May 2025 whilst occupying the Speaker position.

He attributed his party switch to the necessity of preserving the benefits and privileges attached to his legislative office.

His resignation reportedly occurred amid escalating internal political turbulence and alleged discord between him and influential political figures within the state.