Edo State House of Assembly Speaker Blessing Agbebaku has resigned from his position following an impending impeachment plot mounted by a decisive majority of lawmakers in the state legislature. Agbebaku tendered his resignation on Monday, August 17, 2026, after learning that 18 out of the 24 assembly members had signed an impeachment notice against him.
Why did Edo Speaker Blessing Agbebaku resign?
The former Speaker’s departure was officially confirmed by his media aide, Ivy Adodo-Ebojele, as lawmakers gathered for plenary in Benin City. Reports indicate that Agbebaku opted to step down voluntarily early Monday morning to avert formal impeachment proceedings after losing the support of key legislative caucuses across party lines.
“EDO ASSEMBLY SPEAKER RT HON CHIEF BLESSING AGBEBAKU RESIGNS.”
“Further details on the circumstances surrounding the Speaker’s resignation will be made public later.”
Following the resignation announcement, Deputy Speaker Jonathan Ibhamawu temporarily presided over plenary before the House proceeded to reorganize its leadership structure. Hon. Yekini Idiaye, a third-term lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo Constituency II, emerged as the new Speaker and was sworn in immediately. Legislative sources noted that Idiaye’s election satisfied the state’s informal political zoning arrangement, which mandates that the speakership remain in Edo North Senatorial District whenever the sitting governor hails from Edo Central Senatorial District.
Agbebaku, representing Owan West Constituency, originally assumed office in June 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in May 2025. His tenure was characterized by intense political realignments, including the suspension of three lawmakers in May 2024 over alleged leadership maneuvering. Will the election of Speaker Yekini Idiaye bring lasting legislative stability to the Edo State House of Assembly?
