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The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned from his position amid reported moves by lawmakers to remove him from office.
Agbebaku announced his resignation during plenary on Monday, shortly before the Assembly elected Yekini Idaiye, representing Akoko-Edo I Constituency, as his successor.
Explaining his decision, Agbebaku said he was asked to resign in the interest of peace in Edo State, adding that he had chosen to respect the decision.
“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.
Agbebaku also thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for his support during his tenure, saying he had no choice but to respect the governor’s decision if it would help maintain peace in the state.
“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,” he added.
His resignation came amid reports of tension within the Assembly and alleged efforts by some lawmakers to remove him. He was also reportedly accused of failing to facilitate the clearance of a nominee of the governor for an appointment, among other issues.
Following his resignation, Deputy Speaker Osamwonyi Atu Osamwonyi presided over plenary, where Idaiye was nominated and subsequently elected Speaker with 17 of the 24 votes cast.
In his acceptance speech, Idaiye said his leadership would prioritise effective parliamentary practices and the interests of Edo people, while criticising what he described as prolonged disruptions to plenary and unresolved legislative business.
He also alleged financial impropriety involving the former Speaker, including claims relating to the procurement of Lexus 570 vehicles and Hilux vans, and called for the allegations to be investigated.
