Why We Removed Agbebaku As Speaker – New Speaker, Idiaye

By Akinwale Kasali

Rt. Hon. Yekini Idiaye, the newly sworn-in Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, has disclosed the reason behind the removal of Blessing Agbebaku as Speaker. According to him, his predecessor was removed over poor leadership and corruption.

The New Speaker, representing Akoko-Edo Constituency I, is a third-term lawmaker, and  emerged  Speaker following Agbebaku’s resignation amid moves by lawmakers to impeach him.

Idiaye accusing Agbebaku of poor leadership style, alleged that his tenure was characterised by corruption and prolonged adjournments.

He further told Newsmen after Plenary  that, “The House was inaugurated on the 16th of June, 2023 under the leadership of Agbebaku, and since then, we have been passing through a lot of challenges, corruption here and there, adjournment here and there, sometimes for 30 days without a cause. We are not happy with his leadership style. His leadership is poor, and it has been drawing the work of the government backwards.”

Idiaye added, “That is why we removed him. We must encourage our performing governor. He is doing well, anything that will derail or stop our performing governor, we must stop it. That is why we changed him. I can assure all of you that we will do everything possible to support Governor Monday Okpebholo to move this State forward.”

Idiaye’s emergence was also said to have followed the Assembly’s zoning arrangement, which provides that when the Governor is from Edo Central Senatorial District, the Speaker should come from Edo North.

He also is the oldest member from Edo North, and was subsequently elected as Speaker.

Agbebaku had resigned as Speaker following a plot by other Lawmakers to Impeach him.

He announced his resignation from his role through his Media Aide, Ivy Ebojele, who wrote on his Facebook: “I can confirm the Speaker’s resignation but details will be made public later.”