Edo Assembly Speaker resigns amid impeachment plot

The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned amid a plot to impeach him, according to his media aide Ivy Ebojele. The announcement of Agbebaku's resignation was made on Monday, August 17, 2026. Agbebaku, who represents Owan West Constituency, was elected Speaker in June 2023. His leadership faced significant challenges in May 2024 when he suspended three lawmakers following an alleged plot to impeach him and other key officials of the Assembly.

Yekini Idiaye, representing Akoko-Edo Constituency 1, has been appointed as the new Speaker. Edo North Senatorial District, Idiaye's appointment is contingent on a stipulation that the Speaker must hail from the Edo North Senatorial District when the Governor originates from the Edo Central Senatorial District. Upon assuming his new role, Idiaye criticized Agbebaku, accusing him of corruption and poor leadership.

He stated, "The House was inaugurated on the 16th of June, 2023 under the leadership of Agbebaku, and since then we have been facing numerous challenges, including corruption, frequent adjournments, and unjustified delays. We are deeply dissatisfied with his leadership style, which has hindered government progress." Idiaye emphasized that the decision to remove Agbebaku was made to support the state's performing governor, Monday Okpebholo, and ensure the smooth functioning of the government.