The Edo State House of Assembly has elected Yekini Idiaye, the lawmaker representing Akoko Edo Constituency I, as its speaker.

Idiaye’s emergence followed the resignation of the former speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, which was formally acknowledged by the House during Monday’s plenary.

The sitting, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Osamwonye Atu, witnessed a mild drama over the position of the member representing Owan West Constituency. The situation, however, was quickly brought under control.

At the commencement of the proceedings, Atu announced the receipt of Agbebaku’s resignation letter. Following the announcement, the member representing the Esan South East Constituency. Sunday Ojiezele nominated Idiaye for the position of Speaker. The nomination was seconded by the member representing Owan East Constituency, Eric Okaka.

The Clerk of the House subsequently administered the oath of office on Idiaye, who thereafter assumed the leadership of the House. The House also considered a letter from the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) seeking changes in the leadership of the majority caucus.

The letter nominated Ojiezele, representing the Esan South East Constituency, as Majority Leader, while Ojie Inegbebor, representing the Igueben Constituency, was nominated as Deputy Majority Leader.

The lawmakers also approved a letter from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), nominating Natasha Osawaru as the new Minority Leader of the House.

The nomination of Osawaru had reportedly been pending before the latest leadership changes. The developments have effectively ushered in a new leadership structure in the Edo State House of Assembly, with Idiaye now presiding over the eighth Assembly. (Channels)

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