Amanze Chinonye
The Edo State House of Assembly in southern Nigeria has elected Yekini Idiaye as its new Speaker after Blessing Agbebaku resigned as lawmakers moved to remove him from office, Prime Business Africa reports.
Idiaye, a third-term legislator representing Akoko-Edo Constituency I, was elected on Monday after 17 of the 24 members of the Assembly reportedly signed a notice seeking Agbebaku’s removal the previous night.
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Agbebaku resigned before formal impeachment proceedings could begin, bringing his tenure as Speaker to an abrupt end and triggering a change in the leadership of the state legislature.
His media aide, Ivy Ebojele, confirmed the resignation but said further details would be disclosed later.
“I can confirm the Speaker’s resignation, but details will be made public later,” Ebojele said.
The Assembly subsequently elected Idiaye, who was sworn in as Speaker.
His emergence followed the legislature’s internal zoning arrangement, which provides for the speakership to go to Edo North when the state governor is from Edo Central. Governor Monday Okpebholo is from Edo Central, while Idiaye represents Akoko-Edo in Edo North.
Idiaye said the zoning arrangement influenced his emergence, adding that he was selected as the most senior member from Edo North. He said the Deputy Speaker would ordinarily have succeeded Agbebaku in the absence of the zoning arrangement.
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The new Speaker also alleged that Agbebaku’s leadership was marked by poor management, corruption and prolonged adjournments that affected legislative activities. The allegations have not been independently established, and Agbebaku has not publicly responded to them.
The leadership change was accompanied by adjustments to other senior positions in the Assembly. Reports said lawmakers approved nominations for Majority Leader and Deputy Majority Leader, while Natasha Osawaru was nominated as Minority Leader.
Members of the Assembly also reportedly visited the Edo State Government House to brief Governor Okpebholo on the change in legislative leadership.
Idiaye takes charge amid an abrupt political shift in the state legislature, with his leadership likely to be tested by the divisions that preceded Agbebaku’s departure and the need to restore stability to the Assembly.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
