The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned from office amid growing tension within the legislature and reported moves by some lawmakers to remove him.
Agbebaku’s resignation was confirmed on Monday, August 17, 2026, by his media aide, Ivy Ebojele, as political pressure mounted around the leadership of the Assembly. Reports from multiple Nigerian media outlets indicate that the Speaker’s decision came as lawmakers were preparing to commence moves to impeach him.
The circumstances surrounding his resignation have not been fully disclosed. However, the development has triggered a fresh leadership crisis in the Edo legislature, with reports suggesting that the impeachment effort had gathered momentum before Agbebaku stepped aside.
Agbebaku, who represents Owan West Constituency, has served as Speaker since 2023. He was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party before later defecting to the All Progressives Congress.
The unfolding crisis has heightened political tension within the Edo State House of Assembly, with reports indicating that lawmakers have already moved to reorganise the leadership of the House. BusinessDay reported that Osawmonyi Atu, the former Deputy Speaker, was elected to succeed Agbebaku following the leadership shake-up.
The latest development marks a major turn in the ongoing power struggle within the Edo legislature, coming only months before the next general elections and potentially reshaping the political balance in the state.
