The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned from office, throwing the state legislature into fresh political uncertainty.
Agbebaku tendered his resignation early Monday morning after receiving information that 18 of the 24 lawmakers had signed a notice seeking his impeachment as of Sunday night.
A two-thirds majority, equivalent to 16 lawmakers, is required to remove the Speaker from office.
Agbebaku’s resignation was confirmed by his media aide, Ivy Ebojele, who said further details surrounding the development would be made public later.
Following his exit, Yekini Idiaye, the lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo Constituency I and a three-term member of the Assembly, emerged as the new Speaker.
However, the Assembly reportedly relied on the state’s zoning arrangement in selecting Idiaye.
Under the arrangement, when the governor emerges from the Central Senatorial District, the Speakership is expected to go to the Edo North Senatorial District.
