Nigeria:: ‘I resigned in interest of peace’
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria
BENIN CITY — Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, resigned on Monday amid mounting pressure from colleagues and reports of an impeachment plot.
The Owan West lawmaker announced his resignation during plenary, shortly before Hon. Yekini Idaiye of Akoko-Edo I Constituency was elected as his successor with 17 of 24 votes.
Addressing the House before handing over, Agbebaku said the decision was taken to preserve peace in the state.
“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 on the red chair. I was not born to be a speaker. I think today I am standing here as a hero,” he said.
He thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for his support during his tenure and said he had no choice but to respect the governor’s position if it was aimed at stability.
“If he has a decision contrary to giving his government a peaceful trade deal, I think I have no choice but to obey his decision. We want peace in the state. And I have resigned,” Agbebaku added.
The resignation followed days of tension in the Assembly. Sources said 18 of the 24 lawmakers had backed moves to remove Agbebaku.
While there were claims the pressure did not originate directly from Government House, sources said associates of the governor and senior APC members were involved in efforts to change the House leadership.
Agbebaku was reportedly accused of failing to facilitate the screening of a nominee of the governor for appointment, among other grievances.
He arrived at the Assembly complex around 8 a.m. on Monday and directed staff to move his personal belongings from the Speaker’s office to his office as member representing Owan West.
Deputy Speaker Hon. Osamwonyi Atu presided over the session after the resignation.
Hon. Sunny Ojezele of Esan South-East nominated Idaiye for Speaker, with Hon. Eric Okaka of Owan East seconding. After securing 17 votes, Idaiye was sworn in by the Clerk of the House.
In his acceptance speech, Idaiye promised a new approach focused on lawmaking and oversight.
“Very distinguished Honourable Members of the 8th Assembly, recall that on June 16, 2023, when this great Assembly was inaugurated, it came with a burning zest by the 24 wise and Honourable Members to legislate for the common good of our people. However, due to personal and parochial considerations by few individuals, no tangible results were recorded,” he said.
He criticised what he called disruptions to plenary and said, “Parliament is about lawmaking, not a place of social meeting where only one decides when to sit or not to sit as presently practised.”
Idaiye also raised allegations of financial impropriety against the former Speaker, including claims relating to the procurement of Lexus 570 vehicles and Hilux vans. He directed security agencies not to accord Agbebaku official Speaker functions pending investigation
A letter from APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, who was present in the chamber, named Hon. Sunday Ojezele as Majority Leader, replacing Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu. Hon. Euge
ne Inegbeboh of Igueben became Deputy Majority Leader, replacing Hon. Adeh Isibor.
From the NDC, Hon. Uyi Omisigho of Oredo West was named Minority Whip, and Hon. Natasha Osawaru Idibia of Egor became Minority Leader.
The change brings to a close Agbebaku’s tenure as Speaker of the 8th Assembly, which was inaugurated in June 2023. With a new Speaker in place, attention now shifts to whether the Assembly can resolve internal divisions and focus on legislative business.
Idaiye said the leadership change was necessary to ensure the House effectively discharged its responsibilities to Edo people.
For Agbebaku, the exit was framed as a sacrifice for peace. For the House, it marks the start of a new chapter under Idaiye’s leadership.
