Yekini Idiaye, the lawmaker representing Akoko Edo Constituency I in the Edo State House of Assembly, has been elected the new speaker following Blessing Agbebaku’s resignation on Monday.
Mr Idiaye, a third-term lawmaker, emerged as speaker during the plenary, temporarily presided over by Deputy Speaker Osamwonye Atu, who earlier announced Mr Agbebaku’s resignation.
While Mr Atu could have succeeded Mr Agbebaku, the assembly adhered to its zoning agreement, which states that the position of speaker is reserved for Edo North when the governor is from Edo Central.
Mr Idiaye was nominated by Sunday Ojiezele, a member representing the Esan South East Constituency, and seconded by Eric Okaka, representing the Owan East Constituency.
He was subsequently sworn in as the new speaker by the assembly clerk.
Shortly after his swearing-in, Mr Idiaye ordered the indefinite suspension of Mr Agbebaku and Jonathan Wawu, the majority leader.
The speaker also ordered the lawmakers to hand over all official documents in their possession and asked the police to enforce the directive.
Mr Idiaye cited corruption and poor leadership as the basis for Mr Agbebaku’s removal as the House leader.
“We shall not allow the House to be riddled with misdirection and corruption due to the error and greed of a few men. Never again shall a light-hearted man be allowed to lead this robust assembly,” he said.
Following his suspension, the former speaker cited personal reasons for his resignation, saying the decision was taken “in the interest of peace, the state” and his constituency.
He denied speculations about political tension in the eighth assembly, insisting that, as speaker, he maintained cordial relationships with all members despite differing opinions.
“Differences will naturally arise because we all have our individual identities and beliefs,” he said in a statement by his spokesperson. “However, that did not stop us from passing people-oriented bills and resolutions in the last three years of my leadership.”
He thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for his support and reaffirmed his loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the state.
The lawmaker also congratulated the new speaker and urged peaceful coexistence among the assembly members.
Mr Agbebaku, representing the Owan West Constituency, emerged as speaker in June 2023 on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform and defected to the APC in May 2025.
