Agbebaku: From resignation to impeachment
A macabre drama was enacted on the floor of the Edo State House of Assembly on Monday as members of the House surprisingly changed the resignation of former Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, to an impeachment.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that Agbebaku had on Monday August 17, 2026, resigned his position amid impeachment threats.
In a brief comment before he stepped down, Agbebaku, who represents Owan West Constituency, said his resignation was in response to a demand for his resignation in the interest of peace in the state.
According to him, “I agree with all of you. The process is that today I have been asked to resign. Because of that, I was supposed to lead the procession here to resign on the red chair. I was not born to be a speaker. I think today I am standing here as a hero.”
NM recalls that Agbebaku had on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to retain his position as Speaker.
Defending his action, Agbebaku explained that “My decision was not about party allegiance but rather about the growth, development and progress of my area.
“As a speaker, if I throw away this position because of the party, the position that would enhance development in my area, it means that I am not ready to serve my people. My constituents were in support of my decision.”
However, after losing out in the power game, Agbebaku suggested after his claimed resignation that Governor Monday Okpebholo had a hand in his travail. He said, “If he (the governor) has a decision contrary to giving his government a peaceful trade deal, I think I have no choice but to obey his decision. We want peace in the state. And I have resigned.”
However, one week after, the matter took a new twist as members of the House revisited his said resignation and substituted it for impeachment.
Moving a motion to this effect, the Majority Leader, Sunday Ojezele reiterated that the alleged resignation letter was not received by the House, insisting that Agbebaku ‘s resignation process was unknown to parliamentary practices and did not conform with parliamentary procedures.
Ojezele therefore moved a motion that the ex-Speaker be impeached. His motion was seconded by Oshomah Ahmed, member representing Etsako Central Constituency.
Putting the matter to a voice vote, the law makers unanimously supported Agbebaku’s impeachment.
Thereafter, the majority leader presented the Clerk of the House, Yahaya Omogbai, with the ex-Speaker’s impeachment letter for onward transfer to the House’s new Speaker, Yekini Idaiye.
Responding to the development, Idaiye frowned at Agbebaku’s attitude, directing him to return the properties of the House in his possession on or before Friday August 28, 2026, or face the law.
In another development, a bill to amend the House of Assembly Fund Management Law (2023) and a bill for a law to amend the Judiciary Financial Autonomy Law (2023) were collectively passed by the lawmakers.
The speaker subsequently directed the Clerk of the House to send clean copies of the bills, to Governor Okpebolo for assent.
The House also confirmed Mr. Ambrose Ayewoh-Oyakhilomen as Executive Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
Speaking shortly after his confirmation, Mr. Ayewoh appreciated the governor for finding him worthy to serve. He promised to put his wealth of experience to work to promote quality education.
