The Edo State House of Assembly has elected Hon. Yekini Idaiye as its new Speaker following the resignation of Blessing Agbebaku.
Agbebaku announced his resignation during plenary on Monday, amid reports of moves by lawmakers to remove him from office. He said he accepted the decision in the interest of peace in the state.
“I was not born to be a speaker. I think today I am standing here as a hero”, Agbebaku said.
He also thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for his support during his tenure, adding, “We want peace in the state. And I have resigned”.
Following his resignation, the Deputy Speaker, Osamwonyi Atu Osamwonyi, presided over the sitting.
Idaiye, who represents Akoko-Edo I Constituency, was nominated by Sunny Ojezele and seconded by Eric Okaka. He secured 17 of the 24 votes cast and was subsequently sworn in as Speaker.
In his acceptance speech, Idaiye pledged to prioritise effective legislative practices and the interests of Edo residents. He criticised disruptions to legislative activities and called for greater focus on lawmaking and oversight.
“Parliament is about lawmaking, not a place of social meeting where only one decides when to sit or not to sit”, he said.
The new Speaker also called for an investigation into allegations of financial impropriety involving the former leadership, including claims concerning the procurement of official vehicles.
There were also changes in other principal positions, with lawmakers announcing new majority and minority leaders.
