BENIN CITY — The Edo State House of Assembly has elected Hon. Yekini Idiaye, representing Akoko Edo Constituency I, as its new Speaker following the resignation of his predecessor, Blessing Agbebaku.
Idiaye’s emergence took place during the House’s plenary on Monday, after lawmakers formally acknowledged and accepted Agbebaku’s resignation from office.
The sitting was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Osamwonye Atu, who announced the receipt of Agbebaku’s resignation letter at the commencement of proceedings.
Following the announcement, the member representing Esan South East Constituency, Sunday Ojiezele, nominated Idiaye for the position of Speaker. The nomination was seconded by the lawmaker representing Owan East Constituency, Eric Okaka.
The Clerk of the House subsequently administered the oath of office on Idiaye, after which he assumed his new position as Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly.
The election of the new Speaker was, however, preceded by a brief disagreement involving the representation of Owan West Constituency during the sitting. The issue generated a mild drama in the chamber but was quickly brought under control, allowing the proceedings to continue.
The House also considered a letter from the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) requesting changes to the leadership of the party’s majority caucus in the Assembly.
The development comes shortly after Agbebaku stepped down as Speaker, paving the way for a change in the leadership of the state legislature.
Idiaye, who represents Akoko Edo Constituency I, will now lead the Assembly and preside over its legislative proceedings.
The House is expected to proceed with the consideration of other matters on its agenda under the new leadership.
