By Our Correspondent
The Edo State House of Assembly has elected Yekini Idiaye, member representing Akoko-Edo Constituency I, as its new Speaker following the resignation of Blessing Agbebaku from the position on Monday.
Idiaye, a third-term lawmaker, emerged as Speaker amid an unfolding leadership crisis in the Assembly and alleged moves by lawmakers to remove Agbebaku from office.
Agbebaku was said to have resigned earlier on Monday, shortly before the Assembly elected Idiaye as his successor.
The development was confirmed by Agbebaku’s media aide, Ivy Ebojele, who said the former Speaker had resigned but that details surrounding the decision would be made public later.
“I can confirm the Speaker’s resignation but details will be made public later,” Ebojele said.
Idiaye’s emergence was reportedly influenced by the longstanding zoning arrangement among lawmakers, under which the Speakership is expected to rotate to Edo North when the governor is from Edo Central Senatorial District.
The new Speaker, who is the oldest serving member from Edo North, was subsequently elected to lead the Assembly.
Speaking after his emergence, Idiaye reportedly said that without the zoning arrangement, the Deputy Speaker would have automatically succeeded Agbebaku.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that members of the Assembly visited the Edo State Government House to formally inform Governor Monday Okpebholo of the change in the leadership of the legislature.
The leadership change followed reported attempts by lawmakers to impeach Agbebaku.
Sources said 17 of the 24 members of the Assembly had signed a notice of impeachment on Sunday night, a development believed to have preceded Agbebaku’s resignation.
Efforts to contact Agbebaku for further comments were unsuccessful as his telephone line was busy at the time of filing this report, while his media aide had yet to provide additional details.
Idiaye’s emergence marks a fresh chapter for the Edo State House of Assembly, with the new leadership expected to focus on restoring stability and cohesion among lawmakers.
