The Edo State House of Assembly has removed Blessing Agbebaku as Speaker after 18 of the 24 lawmakers backed moves to oust him over allegations of poor leadership and corruption.
Agbebaku resigned as Speaker on Monday, paving the way for the election of Yekini Idiaye, a three-term lawmaker and former Deputy Speaker, as his replacement.
Sources said Agbebaku was presented with an impeachment notice signed by 18 lawmakers on Sunday and was given the option to resign or face impeachment.
The development followed months of tension over the leadership of the Assembly. Agbebaku was elected Speaker in June 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party before defecting to the All Progressives Congress after Monday Okpebholo emerged as governor.
He was the only principal officer who retained his position after the APC gained majority control of the Assembly.
Sources also said the Edo APC leadership, led by Jarret Tenebe, supported Agbebaku's removal.
Idiaye, who represents Edo North, was sworn in as Speaker after Agbebaku's resignation was announced.
Speaking after his inauguration, Idiaye accused the former Speaker of corruption and poor management of the Assembly. He alleged that the House had suffered prolonged adjournments and disruptions under Agbebaku's leadership.
“Corruption here and there. Adjournment here and there, sometimes for 30 days without a cause. We are not happy with his leadership style. His leadership is poor and it has been drawing the work of the government backward,” Idiaye said.
He said the lawmakers changed the leadership to improve legislative business and support the administration of Governor Okpebholo.
In his acceptance speech, Idiaye said Agbebaku had been suspended to allow allegations against him to be investigated, including claims that the prices of Lexus 570 SUVs and Hilux vehicles purchased by the Assembly were inflated.
He also accused the former leadership of limiting plenary sessions and allowing legislative business to stall.
Idiaye directed Agbebaku to hand over all official documents and other items in his possession to the Clerk of the House pending the outcome of the investigation.
He further announced the dissolution of political appointments attached to the Speaker's office and called on security agencies to ensure that Agbebaku no longer exercised the functions of Speaker.
The Edo APC also announced changes to other principal offices in the Assembly.
Jonathan Ibhamawu was removed as Majority Leader and replaced by Ojezele Sunday, while Adeh Isibor was removed as Deputy Majority Leader and replaced by Eugene Inegbebor.
