Yekini Idiaye, member representing Akoko-Edo Constituency I, has emerged as the new Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly.
Idiaye, a third-term lawmaker, succeeds Blessing Agbebaku, who resigned as Speaker on Monday amid moves by lawmakers to impeach him.
The new Speaker’s emergence was reportedly influenced by the zoning arrangement in the Assembly, which provides that when the governor is from Edo Central Senatorial District, the Speaker should come from Edo North.
Idiaye, being the oldest member representing an Edo North constituency, was subsequently elected Speaker.
Speaking on the development, Idiaye said the Deputy Speaker would have automatically succeeded Agbebaku if not for the existing zoning arrangement.
PUNCH Online gathered that members of the Assembly visited the Government House to inform Governor Monday Okpebholo of the change in leadership.
Agbebaku was said to have resigned earlier on Monday following alleged moves by lawmakers to impeach him.
PUNCH Online gathered that 17 of the 24 lawmakers had signed a notice of impeachment on Sunday night, a development believed to have prompted his resignation.
Agbebaku’s resignation was confirmed by his media aide, Ivy Ebojele, who said further details would be made public.
She said, “I can confirm the Speaker’s resignation but details will be made public later.”
When contacted, Agbebaku’s telephone line was busy, while Ebojele had yet to issue a further statement on the circumstances surrounding his resignation.
