Edo Political activist condemns ‘forced resignation’ of Assembly Speaker

A political activist in Edo State has condemned the recent resignation of the former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, alleging it was a forced move that marginalizes the Owan people.

Gordie Aigbodion Esq., an activist and community leader, stated that Agbebaku's resignation last Wednesday, which he did to avoid impeachment, was a "slap on the people of Owan West." Aigbodion claimed there is a deliberate plan to sideline the Owan people despite their contributions to the state's development and that their votes are being undermined by those in authority.

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The Owan Nation, across Owan West and Owan East Local Government Areas, registers its profound discontent, outrage, and outright rejection of the orchestrated removal and forced resignation of our illustrious son, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, as the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly.

"The Owan Nation, across Owan West and Owan East Local Government Areas, registers its profound discontent, outrage, and outright rejection of the orchestrated removal and forced resignation of our illustrious son, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, as the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly," Aigbodion said in a statement. He alleged that "backroom intimidation, executive arm twisting, and the rapid fielding of trumped-up allegations of corruption and high-handedness" subverted legislative independence and democratic principles.

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backroom intimidation, executive arm twisting, and the rapid fielding of trumped-up allegations of corruption and high-handedness, constitute a clear subversion of legislative independence and democratic principles.

Aigbodion criticized the executive arm of government for heavy-handed involvement, which he said reduced a co-equal branch of government to a rubber stamp. While not condoning corruption, he stated the manner of Agbebaku's removal was questionable. He commended Agbebaku for constituency outreach and developmental initiatives in Owan West and Edo North during his tenure.

The activist cautioned the state governor and the executive arm, stating, "Owan votes are not mere election-day collateral. Owan West and Owan East have consistently delivered solid, lawful votes that determined past and present electoral victories in Edo State. The ongoing disrespect, tactical disenfranchisement, and political bullying of our elected representatives must stop immediately." He urged Owan traditional and political leaders to unite against the alleged marginalization, warning that the unfair treatment of one leader diminishes the collective voice of the entire ethnic nationality.

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Owan votes are not mere election-day collateral. Owan West and Owan East have consistently delivered solid, lawful votes that determined past and present electoral victories in Edo State. The ongoing disrespect, tactical disenfranchisement, and political bullying of our elected representatives must stop immediately.