Edo Assembly Speaker Agbebaku Forced Out Amid Pressure

Blessing Agbebaku, the Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, was reportedly forced out of his position due to intense pressure from fellow lawmakers, allegedly orchestrated by the executive branch. Alongside him, Majority Leader Jonathan Ibhamawu was also compelled to resign and was suspended indefinitely during a brief plenary session that lasted less than 30 minutes.

Agbebaku, who represents Owan West Constituency, faced an impeachment threat from aggrieved lawmakers, prompting him to seek a “soft-landing” by resigning. The Deputy Speaker, Yekini Idaiyi, representing Akoko-Edo II Constituency, was sworn in as the new Speaker.

The House also elected new principal officers: Ojiezele Osezua Sunday as Majority Leader, Inegbeboh Ojie Eugene as Deputy Majority Leader, and Natasha Osawaru Irobosa as Minority Leader. This leadership change has significantly restructured the power dynamics within the 8th Edo State Assembly.