The Edo State House of Assembly has undergone a leadership change following the resignation of its Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, amid reported moves by lawmakers to remove him from office.
Agbebaku, who represents Owan West Constituency, stepped down from the speakership on Monday. His resignation was confirmed by his media aide, Ivy Adodo-Ebojele, who announced the development in a social media post.
The development came amid growing reports that some lawmakers were preparing to impeach the Speaker. However, available reports indicate that Agbebaku resigned before any formal impeachment process was completed.
Following his exit, Osamwonyi Atu, the lawmaker representing Orhionmwon East Constituency, emerged as the new Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, according to reports on the leadership change.
Also Read: Edo State plans health insurance for 4,000 residents
Agbebaku was elected Speaker of the eighth Edo State House of Assembly in June 2023. He later defected from the PDP to the APC in 2025.
Atu, meanwhile, had previously served as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly. He represents Orhionmwon I Constituency and has been a prominent member of the legislative leadership.
Reports surrounding Agbebaku’s resignation suggest that political disagreements within the Assembly may have contributed to the leadership crisis. Some reports also linked the impeachment moves to concerns about his political loyalty following his defection to the APC.
The change comes at a politically significant period in Edo State, with preparations for the 2027 elections already shaping political calculations across the state.
The Edo State House of Assembly has 24 members, with the APC currently holding the majority. The legislature is responsible for making laws for the state, approving budgets and exercising oversight over the executive arm of government.
The immediate task before the new leadership will be to stabilize the Assembly, maintain legislative activities and manage relations among lawmakers amid the latest political realignment.
Early reports described the development as an “impeachment,” but the latest reports available indicate that Agbebaku resigned amid impeachment moves, rather than being formally impeached. This distinction is important for accuracy.
The Sun
