New Edo assembly speaker alleges corruption drove leadership change

The Edo State House of Assembly has a new Speaker, Yekini Idiaye, who was sworn in Monday in Benin. Idiaye stated that the leadership change was necessary to align the legislature with Governor Monday Okpebholo's development goals. He directly attributed the shakeup to "challenges of corruption and poor leadership" experienced under the former speaker, Blessing Agbebaku. Idiaye criticized the previous leadership's frequent adjournments, stating, "Every now and then, it is adjournment, we resume tomorrow, adjournment for another 30 days, 20 days, and we were all not too happy with this leadership style." He emphasized that a weak legislature hinders the governor's performance, asserting, "Once the leadership is poor, it will drag the work of the governor backwards." The new speaker vowed to support the governor, whom he described as "a performing leader who deserved legislative backing." Idiaye pledged that the assembly would "do everything possible to support the governor" and cooperate with him to advance the state. The assembly also announced other leadership changes, with Sanny OJezele becoming the majority leader. The former speaker, Agbebaku, reportedly resigned and was suspended over allegations of inflating prices for official vehicles.

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Under the leadership of the former speaker, we have been passing through a lot of challenges. Corruption here and there. Every now and then, it is adjournment, we resume tomorrow, adjournment for another 30 days, 20 days, and we were all not too happy with this leadership style.