The Edo State House of Assembly has elected Yekini Idiaye, representing Akoko Edo Constituency I, as its new Speaker following the resignation of Blessing Agbebaku.
The leadership change was formalised during Monday’s plenary, where Deputy Speaker Osamwonye Atu presided over proceedings and announced the receipt of Agbebaku’s resignation letter.
Shortly after the announcement, Sunday Ojiezele, representing Esan South East Constituency, nominated Idiaye for the Speaker’s position. His nomination was seconded by Eric Okaka, who represents Owan East Constituency.
The Clerk of the Assembly subsequently administered the oath of office on Idiaye, who immediately assumed leadership of the House. His emergence marks a new phase for the eighth Edo State Assembly.
The sitting was briefly disrupted by a disagreement involving the representation of Owan West Constituency, but the issue was quickly brought under control and proceedings continued.
The House also considered a request from the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress seeking changes to the leadership of the majority caucus. Under the proposed arrangement, Ojiezele was nominated as Majority Leader, while Ojie Inegbebor of Igueben Constituency was nominated as Deputy Majority Leader.
Lawmakers also approved a letter from the National Democratic Congress nominating Natasha Osawaru as Minority Leader. Her nomination had reportedly been pending before the latest changes in the Assembly’s leadership.
The developments have now reshaped the leadership structure of the Edo Assembly, with Idiaye taking over as Speaker following Agbebaku’s exit. The new leadership will be expected to steer legislative business and manage relations between the Assembly, the executive and the various political caucuses.
