Politics
Edo Assembly elects Yekini Idiaye as new Speaker
THE Edo State House of Assembly has elected Yekini Idiaye, representing Akoko-Edo Constituency I, as its new Speaker following the resignation of Blessing Agbebaku.
Idiaye, a third-term lawmaker, emerged during Monday’s plenary after the House formally acknowledged Agbebaku’s resignation.
The former Speaker resigned earlier on Monday amid moves by lawmakers to impeach him.
His media aide, Ivy Ebojele, confirmed the resignation but said further details would be made public later.
Idiaye’s emergence followed the Assembly’s zoning arrangement, which provides that the speakership should go to Edo North when the governor is from Edo Central, according to Punch Newspaper.
Idiaye, the most senior lawmaker from Edo North, was subsequently chosen to lead the House.
His nomination was moved by Sunday Ojiezele, representing Esan South-East Constituency, and seconded by Eric Okaka, representing Owan East Constituency.
The Clerk of the House subsequently administered the oath of office on him.
Addressing journalists after the plenary, Idiaye accused Agbebaku of poor leadership and alleged corruption.
“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,” Idiaye said.
“We are not happy with his leadership style. His leadership is poor and it has been drawing the work of the government backwards,” he added.
Following his emergence, Idiaye also ordered the indefinite suspension of Agbebaku and the former Majority Leader, Jonathan Wawu, and directed them to hand over official documents in their possession.
Agbebaku, who represented Owan West Constituency, had served as Speaker since June 2023.
