By Ghazali Ibrahim
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 three-term member of the Assembly, was elected Speaker on Monday amid reports of growing tension and an impending impeachment move against Agbebaku.
His emergence was reportedly influenced by the Assembly’s zoning arrangement, which provides that the Speaker should come from Edo North Senatorial District when the governor is from Edo Central.
As the most senior lawmaker from Edo North, Idiaye was subsequently chosen to lead the legislative arm of the state government.
The leadership change also affected the Assembly’s majority and minority caucuses.
The House considered a letter from the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) proposing changes to the leadership of the majority caucus.
The letter nominated Ojiezele, representing Esan South East Constituency, as Majority Leader, while Ojie Inegbebor of Igueben Constituency was nominated as Deputy Majority Leader.
The lawmakers also approved a letter from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), nominating Natasha Osawaru as the new Minority Leader.
Speaking after his emergence, Idiaye said the zoning arrangement played a key role in his selection, adding that the Deputy Speaker would ordinarily have succeeded Agbebaku if the arrangement did not exist.
He also criticised Agbebaku’s leadership, alleging poor administration, corruption and prolonged adjournments during his tenure.
Idiaye said the leadership change was necessary to ensure that the Assembly supports the programmes of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
He pledged that the new leadership would work with the governor to move the state forward.
Agbebaku’s resignation came earlier on Monday, ending his tenure as Speaker amid political tension within the Assembly.
His media aide, Ivy Adodo-Ebojele, confirmed the resignation in a Facebook post, saying further details would be provided later.
