Agbebaku was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in January 2025.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, has left his position, following a shake-up in the state legislature.
He resigned from the position on Monday, August 17, at a brief plenary sitting in the assembly complex in Benin, the state capital, which lasted less than 30 minutes.
After stepping down, Yekini Idaiye, who represents Akoko-Edo I Constituency, was appointed the new Speaker of the House.
Agbebaku, in a statement made available by his media team after his decision, said he maintained a cordial working relationship with the 23 other members of the House throughout his tenure.
“Differences will naturally arise because we all have our individual identities and beliefs. However, that did not stop us from passing people-oriented bills and resolutions in the last three years of my leadership,” he said.
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He added that his decision to resign was taken in the interest of peace, the state, and his immediate constituency, Owan West.
Agbebaku expressed appreciation to the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for his support and cooperation during his tenure, while reaffirming his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the state.
He further congratulated the new Speaker, Idaiye, and other principal officers of the House, calling on all lawmakers to promote peaceful coexistence and unity in the discharge of their legislative duties.
Apart from the Speaker, Jonathan Ibhamawu, representing Esan West Constituency, was also removed as the Majority Leader and replaced with Ojiezele Osezua Sunday, who represents Esan South-East Constituency.
Also, the former Deputy Majority Leader, Addeh Emankhu Isibor, representing Esan North-East 1, was replaced by Inegbeboh Ojie Eugene as the new Deputy Majority Leader.
Meanwhile, the wife of Afrobeats star 2Baba, Natasha Osawaru Irobosa of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who represents Egor constituency, is now the Minority Leader, replacing Charity Iguodala, who represents Ovia North-East 1.
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