The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chief Blessing Agbebaku, resigned from his position on the morning of Monday, August 17, 2026, preempting a fast-moving impeachment plot orchestrated by fellow lawmakers.
The initial confirmation came directly from his media aide, Ivy Adodo-Ebojele, via an official Facebook post on Monday morning;
“EDO ASSEMBLY SPEAKER RT HON CHIEF BLESSING AGBEBAKU RESIGNS,” Adodo-Ebojele announced, adding that further details surrounding the circumstances of his exit would be released to the public shortly.
Agbebaku, who represents the Owan West constituency, had served as Speaker since the inauguration of the 8th Assembly in June 2023. Though originally elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he famously led a wave of floor defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in January 2025 while retaining his gavel.
However, growing political friction and a sudden shift in legislative alliances culminated in a coordinated push by members to oust him on Monday morning at the Anthony Enahoro Assembly Complex in Benin City.
Faced with an impending vote of no confidence, Agbebaku chose to submit his resignation letter before formal impeachment proceedings could be finalized.
In a swift response to the vacancy, the House immediately moved into plenary to restore stability. Lawmakers unanimously elected and swore in Hon. Osamwonyi Atu, the lawmaker representing Orhionmwon Constituency I, as the new Speaker of the House. Atu previously served as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.
Further statements from the House leadership regarding new committee assignments and the broader impact on state governance are expected later today.
