Yekini Idaiyi becomes new Speaker as Assembly reshuffles majority and minority leadership.
The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned from office amid moves by some lawmakers to impeach him.
Agbebaku’s resignation was announced during a brief plenary session on Monday that lasted less than 30 minutes and was followed by major changes in the Assembly’s leadership.
Sources close to the Assembly said the Speaker resigned following mounting pressure from lawmakers and growing disagreements within the legislative chamber. His resignation was reportedly aimed at preventing the situation from escalating into a wider legislative crisis.
Following his resignation, Deputy Speaker Yekini Idaiyi, representing Akoko-Edo II Constituency, was sworn in as the new Speaker.
The Assembly also removed Majority Leader Jonathan Ibhamawu, representing Esan West Constituency, and former Deputy Majority Leader Addeh Emankhu Isibor, representing Esan North-East I Constituency.
Ojiezele Osezua Sunday, representing Esan South-East Constituency, emerged as the new Majority Leader, while Inegbeboh Ojie Eugene was elected Deputy Majority Leader.
The Assembly also reshuffled its minority leadership, with Natasha Osawaru Irobosa, representing Egor Constituency on the platform of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), emerging as the new Minority Leader.
She replaced Charity Iguodala, representing Ovia North-East I Constituency.