Edo Assembly Speaker Blessing Agbebaku resigns amid impeachment moves

Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned from his position amid reported moves by some lawmakers to remove him from office.

Agbebaku reportedly stepped down on Monday, bringing an end to his tenure as the presiding officer of the state legislature after more than three years in office.

His media aide, Ivy Adodo-Ebojele, confirmed the development in a post on Facebook, stating that the former Speaker had resigned from his position.

However, she did not provide details about the circumstances surrounding Agbebaku’s resignation, saying further information would be made available later.

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The resignation comes against the backdrop of reported efforts by some members of the Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against the Speaker. The exact nature of the disagreements within the legislature and the issues that may have triggered the reported impeachment moves were not immediately clear.

Agbebaku became Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly in June 2023, taking charge of the eighth Assembly.

His tenure has spanned a period of significant political developments in the state, including the 2024 governorship election and the subsequent transition of power in Edo State.

With his resignation, attention has now shifted to the leadership of the Assembly, as lawmakers are expected to convene and elect a new Speaker to preside over legislative proceedings.

The choice of Agbebaku’s successor could further shape the political dynamics within the Edo State House of Assembly, particularly amid reports of divisions among lawmakers.

The development also comes at a time when political alignments within state legislatures remain subject to changes arising from party interests, leadership disagreements and shifting political loyalties.

Until a new Speaker is elected, the Assembly’s next steps and the identity of the lawmaker likely to emerge as Agbebaku’s successor will be closely watched by political stakeholders across Edo State.

Further details on the reasons behind Agbebaku’s resignation are expected to emerge as lawmakers begin the process of choosing a new leader for the House.