The immediate past Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has said he resigned from office to protect peace and the interests of Edo State. The Agbebaku resignation, according to him, was also intended to safeguard the interests of his constituency. Moreover, he did so for his constituency.
According to The Punch, Agbebaku made the clarification in a statement shared by his media aide, Ivy Ebojele, on Facebook on Monday. This followed his resignation amid reported moves by some lawmakers to remove him from office.
The former Speaker said his decision was not caused by a breakdown in his relationship with members of the Assembly. He also stressed that he maintained cordial relations with the other 23 lawmakers throughout his tenure.
Reasons behind Agbebaku’s resignation
Agbebaku acknowledged that disagreements were inevitable among lawmakers because of their different identities and beliefs. However, he said such differences did not prevent the House from carrying out its legislative responsibilities.
“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 stated.
He said he took the decision to resign after considering what he described as the broader interests of the state. He also considered his constituents in Owan West.
“My decision to resign was taken in the interest of peace, the state, and my immediate constituency, Owan West,” Agbebaku said.
Appreciation for Okpebholo
Agbebaku expressed appreciation to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for the support and cooperation he received during his time as Speaker.
“I appreciate the Governor, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his support and cooperation during my tenure,” he said.
He also reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress and Edo State.
“I reaffirm my loyalty to the party and to the state,” Agbebaku stated.
The former Speaker further appealed to his supporters to remain calm following his resignation. He also urged calm after the change in leadership of the Assembly.
“I urge all my supporters to remain calm and to continue to believe in the greater good and the development of democracy in the state,” he said.
Agbebaku congratulates new Speaker
Agbebaku congratulated his successor, Yekini Idaiye, and the other principal officers of the Assembly.
“I congratulate the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yekini Idaiye, and other principal officers of the House,” he said.
He also called on lawmakers to maintain peace and work together despite the recent leadership change.
“I call for peaceful coexistence among all lawmakers,” Agbebaku added.
Idaiye alleges poor leadership
Idaiye, who represents Akoko-Edo Constituency I, emerged as Speaker following Agbebaku’s resignation.
The new Speaker later accused Agbebaku of corruption and poor leadership. He alleged that the Assembly had experienced prolonged adjournments and other difficulties under Agbebaku’s leadership.
“The House was inaugurated on the 16th of June, 2023 under the leadership of Agbebaku, and since then we have been passing through a lot of challenges, corruption here and there, adjournment here and there, sometimes for 30 days without a cause,” Idaiye said.
He added, “We are not happy with his leadership style. His leadership is poor and it has been drawing the work of the government backwards.”
Agbebaku’s resignation has consequently brought a new leadership to the Edo State House of Assembly. Idaiye has taken over as Speaker amid allegations surrounding the former leadership.
