Yekini Idiaye, representing Akoko-Edo Constituency I, has emerged as the new Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly following the resignation of Blessing Agbebaku.
Idiaye, a third-term lawmaker and member of the Edo North Senatorial District, was elected Speaker on Monday after Agbebaku resigned amid mounting pressure from members of the Assembly.
His emergence is believed to have followed the existing zoning arrangement in the House, which reportedly provides that when the governor is from Edo Central, the Speaker should come from Edo North.
Governor Monday Okpebholo is from Edo Central, making Idiaye’s emergence consistent with the arrangement. He was also said to be the oldest serving lawmaker from Edo North in the Assembly.
The development effectively changed the expected succession pattern in the House. Although the Deputy Speaker, Osawmonyi Atu, would ordinarily have been considered for the position following Agbebaku’s exit, the zoning arrangement reportedly influenced the lawmakers’ decision to elect Idiaye.
Akelicious gathered that members of the Assembly subsequently visited the Edo State Government House to formally inform Governor Okpebholo of the leadership change.
Agbebaku’s resignation came after alleged moves by lawmakers to remove him from office. Sources said 17 out of the 24 lawmakers had signed an impeachment notice against him on Sunday night.
His resignation was confirmed by his media aide, Ivy Ebojele, who said further details would be made public.
