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| Blessing Agbebaku |
The Edo State House of Assembly on Monday, August 24, 2026, formally impeached its suspended former Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, just eight days after he announced his resignation. The dramatic move converts what began as a voluntary exit into a formal removal, underscoring deep internal tensions within the 24-member legislature.
Agbebaku, who represents Owan West Constituency I, resigned as Speaker on August 17 amid reports that a majority of lawmakers were preparing impeachment proceedings against him. Shortly after his resignation, the House elected Yekini Idaiye, representing Akoko-Edo I, as the new Speaker.
Idaiye immediately announced Agbebaku’s indefinite suspension pending investigation and oversaw the removal of other principal officers, including the Majority Leader and Deputy Majority Leader.
During Monday’s plenary, Speaker Idaiye declared that the House had converted the suspension into full impeachment. He explained that Agbebaku’s resignation notice was never officially presented or documented before the House. An impeachment notice signed by 17 members was formally presented by the Majority Leader. The motion for impeachment was moved by Majority Leader Sunny Ojiezele and seconded by Ahmed Waziri, who represents Etsako Central.
Idaiye stressed that Agbebaku was impeached and did not resign from office. He directed the former Speaker to return all government property in his possession, warning that security agencies would be engaged if he failed to comply.
The new leadership cited poor leadership, frequent prolonged adjournments that disrupted legislative business, and alleged misconduct as reasons for the change. Idaiye had earlier stated that the House needed to support Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration more effectively and stop anything that could hinder progress.
Agbebaku, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in May 2025, had described his resignation as a step taken in the interest of peace. He maintained that he stepped aside after being asked to do so to avoid further crisis.
This development reflects broader political realignments in Edo State following the change in governorship.
Leadership crises in state assemblies often stem from struggles for control, party loyalty, and alignment with the executive arm. By choosing impeachment over accepting the resignation, the House has asserted stronger institutional authority and framed Agbebaku’s exit as a disciplinary action rather than a voluntary departure.
Whether the new leadership stabilizes the Assembly or deepens existing divisions remains to be seen. For now, the formal impeachment closes one chapter while opening another in Edo’s evolving political landscape.