The immediate past Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku, has explained why he stepped down from the leadership of the legislature.
Agbebaku said his decision to resign was “purely for personal reasons”, dismissing any suggestion that the move was caused by a breakdown in his relationship with members of the Assembly.
The lawmaker, who represents Owan West Constituency, resigned as Speaker during plenary on Monday, August 17, 2026.
His resignation brought an end to his tenure as the presiding officer of the eighth Edo State House of Assembly, a position he had occupied since the inauguration of the legislature in June 2023.
Following his resignation, Yekini Idaiye emerged as the new Speaker of the Assembly. Other principal officers were also elected during the sitting.
Agbebaku later addressed the circumstances surrounding his decision in a statement issued by his media team.
He said he had enjoyed a cordial relationship with members of the House throughout his time as Speaker.
According to him, disagreements among lawmakers were normal because members had different political backgrounds, views and personal convictions.
“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.”
The former Speaker said his decision to leave office was taken after careful consideration.
He maintained that it was made “in the interest of peace, the state, and his immediate constituency.”
Agbebaku also expressed appreciation to Governor Monday Okpebholo for the support and cooperation he received while leading the Assembly.
The former Speaker did not link his resignation to any political disagreement with the governor or members of the House. He also did not disclose further details about the personal reasons behind his decision.
Instead, he urged his supporters to remain calm and avoid actions that could create tension in the state.
He called on them to “remain calm and to continue to believe in the greater good and the development of democracy in the state.”
Agbebaku also congratulated his successor, Idaiye, and the newly elected principal officers.
He urged the lawmakers to work together and maintain peace as the Assembly moves into another phase of its legislative activities.
Moreover, The Edo State House of Assembly has experienced several changes in its political composition since the beginning of the current administration.
The All Progressives Congress became the dominant party in the legislature after a number of lawmakers defected from other political parties.
In March 2025, the APC formally notified the Assembly that it had become the majority party after four lawmakers joined its ranks.
The development took the number of APC lawmakers to 13, while the PDP had 11 members at the time. Agbebaku, who was then Speaker, received and read the notification during plenary.
Agbebaku himself later joined the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party.
His defection occurred in May 2025 alongside other political figures in the state. The move further changed the political structure surrounding the Assembly leadership.
Despite the changes, Agbebaku remained Speaker and continued to preside over the affairs of the House.
In June 2026, the Assembly was still operating under his leadership.
The House considered several legislative matters during its sessions. It also dealt with changes in the opposition structure following the movement of three lawmakers to the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
The NDC subsequently asked the Assembly to recognise its new minority leadership. The request was, however, stepped down after lawmakers raised concerns about the procedure followed by the defecting legislators.
The House also confirmed a commissioner nominee forwarded by Governor Okpebholo and considered other government-related matters during its June sitting.
By July, Agbebaku was still presiding over plenary.
On July 22, the Assembly passed a bill dealing with the revision and publication of the laws of Edo State.
The House also considered legislation seeking to establish and regulate the Edo State Fire Fighting Service.
Agbebaku thanked lawmakers for their cooperation and later adjourned plenary until August 17.
That August 17 sitting has now produced a major leadership change.
Agbebaku’s resignation means Idaiye will take over the Speaker’s seat at a time when the Assembly is preparing for another phase of legislative activities.
For Agbebaku, however, the emphasis is on continuity rather than controversy.
He thanked lawmakers, supporters and political stakeholders who worked with him during his tenure.
He also reaffirmed his loyalty to Edo State and his political party.
The former Speaker urged the new leadership to preserve unity within the legislature and focus on issues affecting residents across the state.
Agbebaku has also made clear that his resignation should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from public service.
He remains a member representing Owan West Constituency and has reaffirmed his commitment to Edo State.
