Agbebaku’s Exit: New Edo Speaker Reveals What Really Triggered His Removal

Idiaye, who represents Akoko Edo Constituency I, emerged as Speaker on Monday following Agbebaku’s resignation from the position.

Agbebaku’s resignation came amid growing tension within the legislature and reports that some lawmakers were making moves to impeach him.

However, shortly after his emergence, Idiaye alleged that concerns over corruption also contributed to the former Speaker’s removal.

Speaking with journalists after Monday’s plenary, Idiaye criticised Agbebaku’s leadership, accusing his administration of frequent adjournments and what he described as questionable practices that hindered the Assembly’s effectiveness.

He said the House, which was inaugurated on June 16, 2023, had experienced numerous challenges under Agbebaku’s leadership.

“The House was inaugurated on the 16th of June, 2023 under the leadership of Agbebaku, and since then we have been passing through a lot of challenges, corruption here and there, adjournment here and there, sometimes for 30 days without a cause. We are not happy with his leadership style. His leadership is poor, and it has been drawing the work of the government backwards,” Idiaye said.

The new Speaker explained that the lawmakers’ decision to replace Agbebaku was aimed at improving the effectiveness of the legislature and preventing anything that could undermine the state government’s performance.

“That is why we removed him. We must encourage our performing governor. He is doing well, anything that will derail or stop our performing governor, we must stop it. That is why we changed him. I can assure all of you that we will do everything possible to support Governor Monday Okpebholo to move this state forward,” he added.

Idiaye’s emergence as Speaker was also reportedly influenced by the Assembly’s zoning arrangement, which provides that the position should be occupied by a lawmaker from Edo North Senatorial District when the governor comes from Edo Central.

As the most senior lawmaker from Edo North, Idiaye was subsequently elected to lead the Assembly.