The immediate past Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has said he resigned from office to preserve peace and protect the interests of Edo State and his constituents.
Agbebaku, who resigned on Monday amid moves by lawmakers to remove him, said his decision was based on personal considerations and the broader interest of the state.
His position was contained in a statement issued through his media aide, Ivy Ebojele, and shared on Facebook.
The former Speaker dismissed suggestions of a strained relationship between him and members of the Assembly, saying he maintained cordial relations with the 23 other lawmakers throughout his tenure.
According to him, disagreements among lawmakers were inevitable because of differences in individual beliefs and identities, but such differences did not prevent the House from passing legislation and resolutions aimed at improving the lives of residents.
“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 said.
Agbebaku said he decided to step down after weighing the interests of the state and his Owan West constituency.
“My decision to resign was taken in the interest of peace, the state, and my immediate constituency, Owan West,” he stated.
He thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for the support and cooperation he received during his time as Speaker.
“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, urging his supporters to remain calm following his resignation.
“I reaffirm my loyalty to the party and to the state,” he stated.
He appealed to his supporters to continue supporting democratic development in the state and congratulated his successor, Yekini Idaiye, as well as 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.
Agbebaku further urged members of the Assembly to maintain unity and peaceful coexistence.
“I call for peaceful coexistence among all lawmakers,” he added.
Idaiye alleges poor leadership
Meanwhile, Idaiye, who represents Akoko-Edo Constituency I, emerged as Speaker following Agbebaku’s resignation.
The third-term lawmaker subsequently criticised his predecessor’s leadership, alleging corruption, prolonged adjournments and other challenges within the Assembly.
Idaiye claimed the House had experienced repeated disruptions since its inauguration in June 2023 under Agbebaku’s leadership.
“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,” he alleged.
He added, “We are not happy with his leadership style. His leadership is poor and it has been drawing the work of the government backwards.”
