Blessing Agbebaku steps down amid a lawmakers’ plot to remove him, though reports conflict on whether he resigned or was impeached.
Blessing Agbebaku, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, has stepped down from his role on Monday amid moves by some lawmakers to impeach him. Reports on the exact circumstances of his exit remain conflicting as of filing.
Ivy Ebojele, Agbebaku’s media aide, confirmed his departure in a Facebook post on Monday, saying further details would be communicated in due course.
“Edo Assembly Speaker Rt Hon Chief Blessing Agbebaku resigns,” she wrote.
Conflicting accounts of what happened and who succeeds him
Multiple outlets report Agbebaku resigned voluntarily ahead of an impeachment vote. However, at least one outlet has reported he was formally impeached during Monday’s plenary, a distinct claim TDC cannot yet independently confirm.
Similarly, while some reports say Yekini Idaiyi, representing Akoko-Edo II constituency, has been sworn in as the new speaker, other reports describe Idaiyi’s emergence as still tentative, and at least one names a different lawmaker, Deputy Speaker Osawmonyi Atu of Orhionmwon I, as the one who has taken over, whether in an acting or substantive capacity is also unclear.
Deputy Speaker Jonathan Ibhamawu was reported to have presided over plenary immediately following the exit. TDC will update this report once the discrepancy is resolved.
Agbebaku, who represents Owan West constituency, was elected Speaker of the 8th Assembly in June 2023.
Background to Agbebaku’s troubles in the assembly
His troubles began in May 2024, shortly after he suspended three lawmakers over an alleged plot to impeach him and other principal officers. The embattled speaker reportedly linked the alleged impeachment plot to external influence, including claims that charms and ritual items were being brought into the assembly complex.
The suspended lawmakers were allies of Philip Shaibu, former Deputy Governor of the state and an ally of Adams Oshiomhole, described as the political godfather of Monday Okpebholo, the incumbent governor.
The suspended members denied the allegations at the time, describing the action as politically motivated.
Agbebaku subsequently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in May 2025, after some APC figures pushed for his removal, citing his PDP background, past campaign activities, and a preference for an “original” APC speaker from his zone. Okpebholo had reportedly backed his retention at the time, citing his loyalty and role in facilitating the governor’s agenda.
