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From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
Edo State House of Assembly has dissolved all its standing committees and constituted a five-member ad hoc panel to investigate allegations of corruption and financial impropriety against former Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku.
The decisions were taken during Tuesday’s plenary presided over by the new Speaker, Yekini Idaiye, who said the dissolution of the committees was aimed at reviewing legislative responsibilities, improving administrative efficiency and giving lawmakers fresh committee assignments.
Idaiye thereafter inaugurated the ad hoc panel to investigate allegations against Agbebaku, including claims of inflated procurement costs involving Lexus Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and Hilux trucks.
The panel, chaired by Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon South), is expected to submit its report within two weeks.
Other members are Donald Okogbo (Akoko Edo II), Andrew Uzamere (Ovia North East II), Kingsley Ugabi (Etsako East) and Maria Edeko (Esan North East II).
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Agbebaku resigned as Speaker on August 17, 2026, shortly before the Assembly elected Idaiye as his successor. His resignation followed allegations of corruption and financial impropriety.
The Assembly also considered reports on the screening of nominees for key state commissions.
It confirmed Dr David Osifo as a member of the Edo State Judicial Service Commission and Oscar Onaiwu as a member of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission.
The House also received a request from Governor Monday Okpebholo for the screening and confirmation of nominees for the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
Shittu Shaibu was appointed chairman of the screening committee for the nominees, who were subsequently confirmed by the Assembly.
The House adjourned plenary until Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
