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The newly elected Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idiaye, has said lawmakers removed his predecessor, Blessing Agbebaku, over alleged poor leadership, corruption and prolonged adjournments. Idiaye, who represents Akoko-Edo Constituency I, emerged as Speaker on Monday after Agbebaku resigned amid mounting pressure for his impeachment.
Idiaye alleged that the Assembly had been frustrated by frequent and lengthy adjournments under Agbebaku, which he said affected the effectiveness of the legislature. He also accused the former Speaker’s administration of corruption, saying lawmakers felt a change in leadership was necessary for the House to properly perform its constitutional duties. These are allegations made by the new Speaker and have not been independently established.
Agbebaku, however, said he resigned for personal reasons and in the interest of peace, Edo State and his constituency. He denied that his decision resulted from a breakdown in his relationship with other lawmakers, maintaining that the House had continued to pass people-oriented bills and resolutions during his tenure.
