Edo State House of Assembly Probes Former Speaker Blessing Agbebaku

The Edo State House of Assembly dissolved all standing committees on August 19, 2026, and established a five-member ad hoc investigative panel to probe former Speaker Blessing Agbebaku. The investigation centers on allegations of corruption and financial impropriety, specifically the inflation of procurement costs for Hilux trucks and Lexus SUVs.

Agbebaku resigned from her position on August 17, 2026, following intense pressure and debates among lawmakers. Following her departure, Yekini Idaiye was elected as the new Speaker. Idaiye stated that the dissolution of the standing committees was intended to "reevaluate legislative duties, improve administrative efficiency and give members new committee experience."

Bright Iyamu, chairman of the investigative panel, has been mandated to submit a report within two weeks. Iyamu characterized the probe as the "beauty of democracy" and denied that the proceedings constitute a "witch-hunt," asserting that the allegations are not yet fully proven. In a separate legislative action, the Assembly confirmed nominees for the state's Electricity Regulatory, Local Government Service, and Judicial Service commissions.