The crisis in the Edo State House of Assembly deepened on Monday as lawmakers formally impeached the former Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, despite his earlier announcement of resignation from the position.
Agbebaku, who represents Owan West Constituency, had on Monday, August 17, 2026, announced his resignation as Speaker of the House.
Following his departure from the position, Yekini Idaiye, representing Akoko-Edo 1 Constituency, was elected as the new Speaker of the Assembly.
The House subsequently suspended Agbebaku indefinitely, while also effecting changes in its leadership structure.
Two other principal officers were removed from office. Jonathan Ibhamawu was relieved of his position as Majority Leader, while Addeh Emankhu Isibor was removed as Deputy Majority Leader.
Ibhamawu, who represents Esan West Constituency, was replaced by Ojiezele Osezua Sunday of Esan South-East Constituency. Similarly, Addeh Isibor, representing Esan North-East 1, was replaced by Inegbeboh Ojie Eugene of Igueben Constituency.
The development took a fresh turn on Monday, August 24, 2026, exactly one week after the initial controversy, when the lawmakers converted Agbebaku’s resignation into an impeachment, according to Daily Post.
The new Speaker, Yekini Idaiye, backed by some members of the House, said 17 lawmakers had signed the impeachment notice against Agbebaku.
According to him, the notice was formally presented by the Majority Leader during Monday’s plenary. He explained that the earlier indefinite suspension was being converted to impeachment because Agbebaku’s resignation notice had not been formally presented and documented by the House several days after his suspension.
Idaiye maintained that Agbebaku was impeached and did not resign as Speaker of the Assembly.
The motion seeking Agbebaku’s formal impeachment was moved by the Majority Leader, Sunny Ojiezele, and seconded by the member representing Etsako Central Constituency, Ahmed Waziri.
While announcing that Agbebaku would remain suspended, the Speaker ordered the former Speaker to return all government property in his possession.
Idaiye also warned that security agencies would be deployed if Agbebaku failed to comply with the directive or respond to the House.
