Immediate past Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, says he resigned from the position for personal reasons and in the interest of peace, Edo State and his constituency, contrary to the claims and allegations of corruption by his colleagues.
Agbebaku disclosed this in a statement shared by his media aide, Ivy Ebojele, on Facebook on Monday.
His resignation came amid moves by some lawmakers to remove him from office.
But Agbebaku said his decision to resign was not as a result of any breakdown in his relationship with members of the House, saying he maintained a cordial relationship with the other 23 lawmakers throughout his tenure.
“Differences will naturally arise because we all have our individual identities and beliefs. However, that did not stop us from passing people-oriented Bills and Resolutions in the last three years of my leadership,” he stated.
He said his decision to resign was taken after considering the broader interests of the state and his constituents.
“My decision to resign was taken in the interest of peace, the state, and my immediate constituency, Owan West,” Agbebaku said.
The former Speaker expressed appreciation to Governor Monday Okpebholo for the support and cooperation he received during his tenure.
“I appreciate the Governor, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his support and cooperation during my tenure,” he said.
Agbebaku also reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress and Edo State.
“I reaffirm my loyalty to the party and to the state,” he stated.
He appealed to his supporters to remain calm following his resignation and the subsequent change in leadership of the Assembly.
“I urge all my supporters to remain calm and to continue to believe in the greater good and the development of democracy in the state,” he said.
Agbebaku also congratulated his successor, Yekini Idaiye, and the other principal officers of the Assembly.
“I congratulate the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yekini Idaiye, and other principal officers of the House,” he said.
He urged the lawmakers to work together and maintain peace within the Assembly.
“I call for peaceful coexistence among all lawmakers,” Agbebaku added.
Meanwhile, Idaiye, who represents Akoko-Edo Constituency I, emerged as the new Speaker following Agbebaku’s resignation.
The third-term lawmaker later accused Agbebaku of corruption and poor leadership, alleging that the Assembly had suffered prolonged adjournments and other challenges under his leadership.
Yekini said, “The House was inaugurated on the 16th of June, 2023 under the leadership of Agbebaku, and since then we have been passing through a lot of challenges, corruption here and there, adjournment here and there, sometimes for 30 days without a cause.
“We are not happy with his leadership style. His leadership is poor and it has been drawing the work of the government backwards.”
