There was a major leadership shake-up at the Edo State House of Assembly on Monday, August 17, 2026, following the exit of the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, amid conflicting reports over whether he was impeached or resigned from office.
Initial reports reaching ABN TV indicated that Agbebaku, who represents Owan West Constituency, was impeached during plenary, with his deputy, Osawmonyi Atu, representing Orhionmwon I Constituency, reportedly emerging as his replacement.
However, subsequent information from the Assembly presented a different account, indicating that Agbebaku resigned as Speaker and that Yekini Idaiye, a lawmaker representing Akoko Edo I Constituency, was sworn in as the new Speaker.
The conflicting accounts surrounding the change in leadership could not be independently reconciled at the time of filing this report.
Agbebaku was also reported to have been suspended from the House alongside the Majority Leader as part of the leadership changes. The Majority Leader was reportedly replaced by Osezua Ojiezele, who represents Esan South-East Constituency.
Details surrounding Agbebaku’s resignation or reported impeachment, including the circumstances that triggered the development and the number of lawmakers involved in the decision, remained unclear as of press time.
Agbebaku was elected Speaker of the 8th Edo State House of Assembly in June 2023 after winning the election to represent Owan West on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He subsequently defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in May 2025 alongside other lawmakers.
Atu, who had served as Deputy Speaker before Monday’s developments, represents Orhionmwon I Constituency, while Idaiye is a ranking lawmaker representing Akoko Edo I Constituency.
ABN TV will continue to monitor developments at the Edo State House of Assembly and provide updates as clearer details emerge on the circumstances surrounding the leadership change.
