Former Edo State House of Assembly Speaker Blessing Agbebaku has said his decision to step down from the leadership of the legislature was driven by personal reasons, while stressing that the move was intended to protect peace and the interests of his constituency.
Agbebaku disclosed this on Monday, August 17, 2026, in a statement issued through his media team following the emergence of Yekini Idiaye as the new Speaker of the Edo Assembly.
The former Speaker rejected suggestions of a breakdown in his relationship with lawmakers, saying he maintained a cordial working relationship with the other members of the House throughout his tenure.
He also thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for the support he received while leading the Assembly and reaffirmed his commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Edo State.
His explanation comes as the Edo Assembly begins a new phase under Idiaye, with the governor calling on lawmakers to put aside differences and concentrate on governance.
Agbebaku said his decision to leave the Speaker’s office was made with the interests of Edo State and his Owan West constituency in mind.
While acknowledging that disagreements are inevitable among politicians and lawmakers with different views, he maintained that such differences did not prevent the Assembly from carrying out its legislative responsibilities.
According to the former Speaker, the House passed bills and resolutions aimed at addressing the needs of residents during his leadership.
His comments appear aimed at dispelling speculation about the circumstances surrounding the leadership change, particularly amid the political activity within the Edo APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Agbebaku also appealed to his supporters to remain calm and focus on the broader interests of the state rather than allowing his resignation to generate further political tension.
- His resignation was based on personal reasons.
- He said the decision was made in the interest of peace.
- He thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for his cooperation.
- He reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and Edo State.
- He congratulated Yekini Idiaye on becoming the new Speaker.
- He urged lawmakers to maintain unity and peaceful coexistence.
The resignation has paved the way for Yekini Idiaye, who represents Akoko-Edo Constituency I, to take over as Speaker.
Following his emergence, Idiaye led the new leadership of the Edo Assembly to the Government House to formally meet Governor Okpebholo.
The visit provided an early indication of the new leadership’s priorities, with Idiaye promising to work with the governor and other stakeholders to stabilise the legislature.
He said the Assembly was prepared to provide the support required to advance the state’s development agenda.
The transition also comes at a politically sensitive period, with the 2027 elections approaching and lawmakers preparing to defend or seek new mandates in their respective constituencies.
Governor Okpebholo used the meeting with the new Assembly leadership to call for greater unity, transparency and teamwork among lawmakers.
The governor urged Idiaye to ensure that every member of the legislature is carried along, warning against allowing personal differences to undermine the work of the House.
Okpebholo also advised lawmakers to settle disagreements internally rather than allowing disputes to spill onto social media.
The governor said the Assembly had enjoyed relative stability for about two years and expressed the hope that the new leadership would preserve that atmosphere.
His message suggests that maintaining legislative stability will be a major priority as the new Speaker settles into office.
The leadership change comes against the backdrop of significant political realignments in Edo.
Agbebaku moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in May 2025, a move he explained at the time as being connected to the development interests of his constituency.
He subsequently secured the APC ticket to seek another term representing Owan West in the Edo State House of Assembly in 2027.
That political background makes his decision to relinquish the Speakership particularly significant. However, Agbebaku has not publicly linked his resignation to party disagreements, instead maintaining that personal considerations and the interests of peace informed his decision.
The immediate task for Idiaye will be to consolidate the transition and maintain cooperation among lawmakers.
Okpebholo told the new Speaker that political positions are temporary and should be exercised with humility and responsibility.
He urged Idiaye to promote:
- Transparency in legislative leadership.
- Dialogue among lawmakers.
- Inclusiveness in decision-making.
- Teamwork between members.
- Peace within the Assembly.
- Effective representation of constituents.
The governor also reminded lawmakers that elections are approaching and encouraged them to strengthen their relationships with constituents.
For the Edo Assembly, the leadership transition now creates an opportunity to move beyond the circumstances surrounding Agbebaku’s resignation and concentrate on legislation, oversight and representation.
Agbebaku’s decision closes one chapter of the Eighth Assembly’s leadership, while Idiaye begins his tenure under pressure to preserve stability and demonstrate effective leadership.
