Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned from his position over alleged moves by members of the assembly to impeach him.
Media aide to Agbebaku, Ivy Ebojele, confirmed his resignation in a Facebook post on Monday, but said further details would be communicated in due course.
“EDO ASSEMBLY SPEAKER RT HON CHIEF BLESSING AGBEBAKU RESIGNS. DETAILS LATER,” she wrote.
Following his resignation, the member representing Akoko Edo II constituency, Yekini Idaiyi, was reportedly sworn in as new speaker of the house.
Agbebaku, who represents Owan west constituency, was elected speaker of the eighth assembly in June 2023.
Trouble started in the house in May 2024, shortly after he suspended three lawmakers over an alleged plot to impeach him and other principal officers.
The embattled speaker was said to have linked his alleged impeachment plot to external influence and claims that charms and ritual items were being brought into the assembly complex.
The suspended lawmakers were allies of Philip Shaibu, former deputy governor of the state and an ally of Adams Oshiomhole, the purported godfather of Monday Okpebholo, the incumbent governor of the state.
The suspended members denied the allegations, describing the action as politically motivated.
Agbebaku subsequently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in May 2025 after some APC figures pushed for his removal, citing his PDP background, past campaign activities and preference for an “original” APC speaker from his zone.
However, Okpebholo reportedly backed his retention, citing his loyalty and role in facilitating the governor’s agenda.
