BREAKING: Edo Assembly gets new speaker

The Edo State House of Assembly has a new Speaker, Hon. Yekini Idiaye, representing Akoko-Edo Constituency I. Idiaye, a lawmaker serving his third term, takes over from Blessing Agbebaku, who resigned his position on Monday following moves by members to impeach him.

The selection of Idiaye is said to be influenced by a zoning agreement within the Assembly. This arrangement stipulates that when the governor hails from the Edo Central Senatorial District, the Speaker position should be allocated to the Edo North Senatorial District. As the most senior member from Edo North, Idiaye was subsequently elected to the role.

Without this zoning convention, the Deputy Speaker would have automatically succeeded Agbebaku, according to the new Speaker. Members of the Assembly were observed at the Government House to inform Governor Monday Okpebholo about the change in leadership.

Efforts to reach Agbebaku for comment were unsuccessful, with his phone line reportedly busy. His media aide, Ivy Ebojele, had confirmed his resignation but stated that further details would be released later. Agbebaku's resignation came after 17 out of the 24 lawmakers reportedly signed an impeachment notice on Sunday night, a development that likely prompted his decision to step down.

“

I can confirm the Speaker’s resignation but details will be made public later.