Edo Assembly in Crisis: New Speaker Suspends Agbebaku, Dissolves Leadership, Sets Up Probe Panel

By Marian Alekhue

The newly elected Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Yekini Idaiye, has suspended his predecessor, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, and ordered an investigation into allegations of corruption and financial misappropriation against him.

The development came shortly after Agbebaku resigned as Speaker during a dramatic plenary session on Monday, August 17, 2026, amid moves by lawmakers to remove him from office.

Idaiye, who represents Akoko-Edo I Constituency, emerged as Speaker following Agbebaku’s resignation.

In his inaugural address, the new Speaker announced the suspension of Agbebaku, saying the former Speaker would face investigation over complaints and allegations brought against his administration.

The allegations, which include alleged corruption and misappropriation of funds, are yet to be established, as the proposed investigation is expected to give the former Speaker an opportunity to respond to the complaints.

Idaiye subsequently constituted a panel to investigate the allegations and determine the facts surrounding the complaints against Agbebaku.

The new Speaker also dissolved the leadership structure of the House under Agbebaku and announced changes in the principal offices of the Assembly.

Among those affected were members of the former leadership, including the Majority Leader, Deputy Majority Leader and Minority Leader.

The new leadership is headed by Idaiye as Speaker, with Sunday Ojezele emerging as Majority Leader, Eugene Inegbeboh as Deputy Majority Leader and Natasha Osawaru as Minority Leader.

The leadership change followed a tense sitting in which Agbebaku announced his resignation after reportedly coming under pressure from lawmakers seeking his removal. The sitting, according to reports, lasted less than 30 minutes.

Agbebaku had served as Speaker since June 2023, when he emerged unanimously with the backing of all 24 members of the House. He later defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in May 2025.

His resignation and subsequent suspension have now triggered one of the most significant leadership shake-ups in the current Edo Assembly since its inauguration in June 2023.

The new leadership is expected to focus on stabilising the Assembly while the panel conducts its investigation into the allegations against the former Speaker.

The House has adjourned plenary until Tuesday, August 18.