Hon. Yekini Idaiyi, representing Akoko-Edo II Constituency, has emerged as the new Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly following the resignation of Blessing Agbebaku from the position.
Idaiyi’s emergence was announced on Monday after Agbebaku stepped down as Speaker amid reported moves by some lawmakers to remove him from office.
The development triggered a change in the leadership of the state legislature, with the Deputy Speaker, Jonathan Ibhamawu, presiding over plenary before the emergence of Idaiyi.
Following his election by members of the House, Idaiyi was sworn in as the new Speaker, taking over the leadership of the Assembly at a politically significant moment in Edo State.
Agbebaku’s resignation came amid reports of an impeachment threat against him. Although the precise circumstances surrounding his decision were initially unclear, multiple reports linked his departure to growing pressure from lawmakers within the Assembly.
The former Speaker had occupied the position since June 2023 and represented Owan West Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly.
The leadership change is expected to have political implications for the state legislature, particularly as the House continues to work with the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Idaiyi now assumes responsibility for leading the Assembly and coordinating legislative business among members of the House.
The new Speaker’s emergence also comes against the backdrop of reported disagreements within the Assembly, making his first actions and approach to legislative leadership a subject of interest.
The Edo State House of Assembly has yet to provide a detailed public account of all the circumstances surrounding Agbebaku’s resignation beyond the immediate leadership transition.