Why I resigned as Edo Assembly Speaker – Agbebaku

Blessing Agbebaku has resigned as the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, citing personal reasons and the broader interests of peace, the state, and his constituency. His decision came amid efforts by some lawmakers to oust him from the position.

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Differences will naturally arise because we all have our individual identities and beliefs. However, that did not stop us from passing people-oriented Bills and Resolutions in the last three years of my leadership.

Agbebaku, in a statement released by his media aide, emphasized that his resignation was not due to a breakdown in relationships with the other 23 lawmakers, with whom he claimed to have maintained a cordial rapport throughout his tenure. He stated, "Differences will naturally arise because we all have our individual identities and beliefs. However, that did not stop us from passing people-oriented Bills and Resolutions in the last three years of my leadership."

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My decision to resign was taken in the interest of peace, the state, and my immediate constituency, Owan West.

He further explained that his choice was made after careful consideration of the wider interests of Edo State and his constituents in Owan West. Agbebaku expressed gratitude to Governor Monday Okpebholo for his support and reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress and the state. He urged his supporters to remain calm and continue to support the development of democracy in the state.

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I appreciate the Governor, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his support and cooperation during my tenure.

Following Agbebaku's resignation, Yekini Idaiye, representing Akoko-Edo Constituency I, emerged as the new Speaker. However, Idaiye leveled accusations against his predecessor, alleging corruption and poor leadership. He stated that the Assembly had suffered from prolonged and unjustified adjournments under Agbebaku's leadership, which he claimed hindered the government's work.

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The House was inaugurated on the 16th of June, 2023 under the leadership of Agbebaku, and since then we have been passing through a lot of challenges, corruption here and there, adjournment here and there, sometimes for 30 days without a cause.