Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Edo State House of Assembly has elected Yekini Idiaye, the member representing Akoko-Edo Constituency I, as its new Speaker following the resignation of Blessing Agbebaku.
Idiaye, a third-term lawmaker, emerged on Monday and immediately assumed leadership of the Assembly.
His emergence followed Agbebaku’s resignation earlier in the day amid moves by lawmakers to impeach him.
The new Speaker’s election was influenced by the Assembly’s informal zoning arrangement, which provides that the speakership should be occupied by a lawmaker from Edo North Senatorial District when the governor is from Edo Central.
As the most senior member from Edo North, Idiaye was subsequently chosen by his colleagues to lead the House.
Speaking after his emergence, Idiaye said the Deputy Speaker would ordinarily have succeeded Agbebaku but for the zoning understanding within the Assembly.
Sources within the Assembly said lawmakers moved quickly to fill the leadership vacuum following Agbebaku’s departure.
Members of the House were also reported to have visited Government House to formally brief Governor Monday Okpebholo on the change in leadership.
Agbebaku resigned after reports emerged that 17 of the Assembly’s 24 members had signed an impeachment notice against him on Sunday night.
His resignation was confirmed by his media aide, Ivy Ebojele, who said further details surrounding the development would be made public later.
“I can confirm the Speaker’s resignation but details will be made public later,” she said.
