Edo Assembly Speaker Blessing Agbebaku Resigns From Office
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Onwusorom Victory Mma
BENIN CITY, EDO STATE — The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned from office, bringing his tenure as presiding officer of the state legislature to an end.
Agbebaku’s resignation was announced during plenary on Monday, August 17, 2026, after the Clerk of the House read his resignation letter to lawmakers.
In the letter, the former Speaker cited personal reasons and the need to devote attention to other responsibilities as the reasons for his decision. He thanked members of the Assembly for their cooperation during his tenure and expressed continued commitment to the development and progress of Edo State.
The resignation reportedly came as a surprise to several lawmakers, who took turns to acknowledge Agbebaku’s contributions to the House and his leadership of the legislature.
The Majority Leader commended Agbebaku for his stewardship and described his tenure as one that contributed to stability within the Assembly. Members of the opposition also recognised his adherence to legislative procedures and his role in steering the affairs of the House.
With the speakership now vacant, the Edo State House of Assembly is expected to commence the process of electing a new Speaker in line with its Standing Orders and applicable constitutional provisions.
The development is expected to attract considerable political attention in Edo State, particularly as the Assembly prepares to consider key legislative matters and bills in the coming months.
Agbebaku, who represents Owan West Constituency, was elected Speaker of the Eighth Edo State House of Assembly in June 2023. He emerged Speaker after the inauguration of the Assembly and was elected unopposed by the lawmakers.
His tenure has included legislative oversight activities, constituency engagements and consideration of bills from the executive arm of government. The Assembly has also witnessed significant political developments during his time in office, including changes in party alignment among lawmakers.
In May 2025, Agbebaku defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). At the time, he said the decision was influenced by his desire to retain the speakership and promote development in his constituency.
The political composition of the Assembly had also changed before his defection. The APC became the dominant party in the 24-member legislature following the defection of lawmakers from other parties.
The House adjourned shortly after Monday’s plenary to allow lawmakers to consult on the transition and the next steps following the resignation.
Further details on the timetable and procedure for the election of a new Speaker are expected to emerge as lawmakers conclude their consultations.
The Edo State House of Assembly is the legislative arm of the Edo State Government and has 24 elected members. The Assembly meets at the Chief Anthony Enahoro Complex in Benin City, the state capital. Agbebaku became Speaker in 2023 and remained in the position until his resignation on August 17, 2026.
