The immediate past Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has explained that his resignation was driven by personal considerations and a desire to preserve peace in the state and protect the interests of his constituency.
Agbebaku gave the explanation in a statement released by his media aide, Ivy Ebojele, on Facebook on Monday, following his exit from the speakership amid efforts by some lawmakers to remove him.
The former Speaker dismissed suggestions that his resignation was caused by a strained relationship with members of the House, maintaining that he enjoyed a cordial working relationship with the other 23 lawmakers throughout his three-year 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.
Agbebaku said he ultimately chose to step down after weighing what he described as the wider interests of Edo State and the people of his constituency, Owan West.
“My decision to resign was taken in the interest of peace, the state, and my immediate constituency, Owan West,” Agbebaku said.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Monday Okpebholo for the support and cooperation extended to him while he served as Speaker.
“I appreciate the Governor, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his support and cooperation during my tenure,” he said.
Agbebaku also reiterated his commitment to the All Progressives Congress and Edo State, saying, “I reaffirm my loyalty to the party and to the state,” he stated.
Following his resignation and the subsequent change in leadership, the former Speaker called on his supporters to remain peaceful and focused on the development of the state’s democratic institutions.
“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.
He congratulated his successor, Yekini Idaiye, alongside the other principal officers of the Assembly, and urged members to work together to maintain stability within the legislature.
“I congratulate the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yekini Idaiye, and other principal officers of the House,” he said.
“I call for peaceful coexistence among all lawmakers,” Agbebaku added.
Idaiye, who represents Akoko-Edo Constituency I, subsequently emerged as Speaker following Agbebaku’s resignation.
However, the new Speaker later criticised his predecessor’s administration, accusing Agbebaku of corruption and ineffective leadership.
Yekini alleged that the Assembly experienced repeated adjournments and other difficulties during Agbebaku’s tenure.
“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,” he added.