The Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, on Monday resigned from his position amid reports of an impending impeachment by members of the assembly.
Mr Agbebaku announced his resignation during a dramatic plenary session, which was characterised by procedural disputes over, who had the authority to preside over the sitting.
The sitting also witnessed the election of a new Speaker, Yekini Idaiye (APC-Akoko-Edo I), and major changes in the House Majority leadership.
After a motion to reconvene was moved and seconded, the house proceeded to what members described as “very serious business.”
Consequently, the Deputy Speaker, Atu Osamwonyi (APC-Orhionmwon East), presided over the sitting.
Mr Agbebaku, who spoke from the floor of the house, subsequently addressed the assembly, and announced his resignation.
“I agree with all of you. The process is that today I have been asked to resign, because of that, I was supposed to lead the procession here to resign.
“I was not born to be a speaker. I think today, I am standing here as a hero,” he said.
Mr Agbebaku, who represents Owan West state constituency, thanked Gov. Monday Okpebholo for his support.
“If he has a decision to give his government a peaceful trade deal, I think I have no choice but to obey his decision.
“We want peace in the state, and I have resigned,” he added.
In spite interruptions and calls for order, the house conducted a voice vote, with members chorusing “Aye” to accept the resignation.
Immediately after accepting the resignation, the house resolved to suspend Agbebaku to allow for an investigation into allegations against him.
The assembly cited “personal and parochial consideration by few individuals,” “personal interest, corruption, poor leadership and failure to uphold the oath of office sworn to” among the allegations against him.
It said the allegations included issues surrounding the prices of the Lexus 570 Jeeps and Hilux vehicles.
The house said the suspension remained necessary “to ensure that the weight of allegations, among others, is thoroughly investigated and uninterrupted.”
It further directed that “all documents and paraphernalia of office in his possession be handed over to the Clerk of the house.”
The house also resolved that “all political office holders attached to his office are dissolved.”
“Security agencies are to ensure that no official status of the office of the speaker is accorded to, or performed by the suspended speaker.”
Following the vacancy, Sunny Ojezele (Esan South-East) nominated Idaiye for the position of speaker.
