NEWS
Yekini Idiaye Emerges New Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly
The Edo State House of Assembly has ushered in a new leadership structure following the resignation of its former Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku.
Yekini Idiaye, representing Akoko Edo Constituency I, emerged as the new Speaker of the Eighth Assembly on Monday after lawmakers accepted Agbebaku’s resignation.
The leadership change came amid growing tension within the legislature and reported moves by some lawmakers to remove Agbebaku from office.
The Monday plenary was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Osamwonye Atu, who formally announced the receipt of Agbebaku’s resignation letter before the lawmakers proceeded to elect a successor.
Following the announcement, Sunday Ojiezele, representing Esan South East Constituency, nominated Idiaye for the Speakership. His nomination was seconded by Eric Okaka, representing Owan East Constituency.
The Clerk of the House subsequently administered the oath of office on Idiaye, formally paving the way for him to assume the leadership of the Edo State legislature.
The Assembly also approved further changes to the leadership of the majority caucus following a request from the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress.
Ojiezele was approved as the new Majority Leader, while Ojie Inegbebor, representing Igueben Constituency, was appointed Deputy Majority Leader.
In another leadership adjustment, the House approved Natasha Osawaru as the new Minority Leader following a nomination from the National Democratic Congress.
The series of changes marks a significant reshuffling of the Edo State House of Assembly and establishes Idiaye as the new presiding officer of the Eighth Assembly.
The development comes at a politically sensitive period for the legislature, with the new leadership now expected to steer the Assembly through the remainder of its legislative activities while managing the internal dynamics that preceded the change in leadership.