Edo State House Impeaches Former Speaker Blessing Agbebaku

The Edo State House of Assembly formally impeached former Speaker Blessing Agbebaku on August 24, 2026, during a plenary session in Benin City. Lawmakers rejected a purported resignation dated August 17, with the Majority Leader arguing that the resignation letter was never formally received or processed according to parliamentary procedure. The impeachment motion was supported by 17 members who signed the notice.

Following the vote, the House elected Yekini Idaiye as the new Speaker. Idaiye condemned Agbebaku's attitude and ordered him to return all government property by Friday, warning that security agencies would be engaged if the former Speaker fails to comply.

Prior to the formal impeachment, political stakeholders from the Owan federal constituency condemned Agbebaku's exit, alleging it was the result of executive arm-twisting and backroom intimidation rather than a voluntary resignation. They characterized the leadership change as part of a pattern of political marginalization against the Owan West and Owan East Local Government Areas.

During the same legislative session, the House passed amendments to the Edo State House of Assembly Fund Management Law 2023 and the Judiciary Financial Autonomy Law 2023 to curb corruption and strengthen institutional independence. These bills were transmitted to Governor Monday Okpebholo for assent. The House also confirmed Ambrose Oyakhilome Ayewoh as Executive Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board.