The Edo State House of Assembly at its plenary sitting today, expressed deep condolences to the people of Ekpoma, particularly the Uwenobo, Akahia, and Opoji communities, over the recent flood disaster which led to the loss of lives and destruction of properties.
Presiding at plenary, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, described the incident as a “terrible natural disaster.” He noted that while such occurrences may be beyond human control, the government is responsible for putting measures in place to reduce their impact.
Raising the matter under urgent public importance, the Majority Leader, Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan Ibhamawu , representing Esan West Constituency, drew attention to the devastating effects of flooding in Ekpoma and other parts of the State. He called on the State government to prioritize constructing effective drainage systems and to resettle persons displaced by the flood.
After extensive deliberations, the House resolved as follows:
1. That the Edo State Government should urgently declare a state of emergency in Ekpoma to address the flooding situation.
2. That the State Government should urgently undertake an impact assessment of the area to evaluate the extent of damage caused by the flood.
3. That the Edo State Erosion, Water, and Flood Management Agency be mobilized to the affected areas to provide relief materials and support to victims.
4. That families of the victims be identified, consoled, and assisted.
5. That the Edo State Government establish an Emergency Management Agency to proactively mitigate and manage future risks.
Also at plenary, the House received a correspondence from the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, requesting the consideration and confirmation of four commissioner nominees, namely:
(1) Dr. Jerry Wague
(2) Hon. Bar. Ken Ihensekhien
(3) Bar. Paul Ehigie
(4) Akhigbe Osi John
The correspondence was referred to the Committee on Rules and Business with a directive to report back to the House within two weeks.
In another development, the House received the report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, presented by Hon. Oshomah Ahmed, on a bill for a law to repeal the Customary Court Appeal Law, 2025, and enact a law to establish the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal and for related matters. Consideration of the report was deferred to a later date.
The Speaker further announced that the House will proceed on a two-week committee break to enable standing committees to complete their assigned tasks.
The House Plenary was thereafter adjourned to Monday, 13th October, 2025.
