BREAKING: Edo Assembly leadership shake-up: Agbebaku out, Idaiyi emerges new Speaker

The Edo State House of Assembly has a new Speaker following the resignation of Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, who stepped down on Monday, August 17, 2026, amid reports of an impeachment plot against him. Hon. Yekini Idaiyi (also spelled Idiaye), the lawmaker representing Akoko Edo I Constituency, was swiftly nominated and sworn in as the new Speaker during the plenary session that followed Agbebaku’s exit.

The leadership change was formally announced when Deputy Speaker Osamwonye Atu, who presided over the session, informed the House that Agbebaku’s resignation letter had been received. The resignation was confirmed by Agbebaku’s media aide, Ivy Adodo-Ebojele, via a Facebook post that read, “EDO ASSEMBLY SPEAKER RT HON CHIEF BLESSING AGBEBAKU RESIGNS.” Agbebaku’s decision to step down came amid reports of growing internal tension and moves by some lawmakers to impeach him. The former Speaker had led the 8th Assembly since June 2023, having been elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2025. His tenure was marked by political turbulence, including the suspension of three lawmakers in May 2024 over an alleged impeachment plot and recent security concerns that postponed the Assembly’s first sitting of 2026.

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Following the announcement of Agbebaku’s resignation, the lawmaker representing Esan South East Constituency, Sunday Ojiezele, nominated Yekini Idaiyi for the position of Speaker. The nomination was seconded by Hon. Eric Okaka, representing Owan East Constituency. The Clerk of the House subsequently administered the oath of office on Idaiyi, who then assumed leadership of the House. The House also approved a letter from the All Progressives Congress (APC) nominating new principal officers, including Hon. Sunday Ojiezele as Majority Leader, Hon. Ojie Inegbebor as Deputy Majority Leader, and Hon. Natasha Osawaru as Minority Leader, nominated by the National Democratic Congress.

Hon. Yekini Idaiyi is a ranking lawmaker with prior leadership experience in the Edo Assembly. He previously served as Deputy Speaker from June 2019 until August 2020, when he was impeached following political disagreements surrounding his support for the APC governorship candidate during the 2020 Edo governorship election. His emergence as Speaker marks a return to the Assembly’s leadership after several years, and he is expected to steer the legislative house through this period of transition and political realignment.

BREAKING: Edo Assembly leadership shake-up: Agbebaku out, Idaiyi emerges new Speaker

Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke, Says Osun Victory Affirms Nigeria’s Democratic Progress

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the August 15 governorship election, describing the outcome as a strong assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in Nigeria.

The President, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said he personally called Adeleke earlier in the day to congratulate him on his re-election.

Tinubu said Adeleke’s victory had once again demonstrated the confidence the people of Osun State reposed in his leadership.

“I called Governor Ademola Adeleke earlier today to congratulate him on his election victory in Osun State. His victory once again confirmed the confidence the people of Osun State have in him,” the President said.

He urged the governor, who has secured another term in office, to use his renewed mandate to unite the people of the state irrespective of their political affiliations or choices during the election.

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According to Tinubu, the governor’s immediate responsibility is to bring the people together and mobilise them towards achieving greater development, stability and prosperity in the state.

“I wish him great success as he prepares to lead the state for the next four years. Now that he has won, Governor Adeleke must unite the people of Osun State and rally them for growth, stability, and social and economic progress, regardless of the political choices they made at the election,” he said.

The President also commended other candidates who contested the election, praising what he described as their courage and discipline throughout the electoral process.

He said their participation had contributed to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic culture, adding that the outcome of the poll represented the decision of the electorate.

“I salute the courage and discipline displayed by other contestants in the election. Their participation deepened and enriched our country’s democratic culture,” Tinubu said.

He added that the result of the election reflected the will of the people of Osun State and provided further confidence in the survival and growth of democratic governance in the country.

“The outcome of the election reflects the will of the people and is a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in our land,” the President stated.

Tinubu further commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for its role in conducting the election, as well as the security agencies deployed for the exercise.

The President described the election as peaceful and transparent, noting that the process produced a clear winner.

His commendation comes after Osun voters went to the polls on Saturday to elect the governor who will lead the state for another four-year term.

Adeleke’s victory means the incumbent governor will continue in office for another term, giving his administration an opportunity to consolidate on its programmes and policies while addressing the developmental challenges confronting the state.

The President’s statement also appeared to emphasise the need for political reconciliation following the election, urging the governor to extend his leadership to all residents of Osun State, including those who voted against him.

Tinubu’s congratulatory message further underscored the importance of accepting electoral outcomes and ensuring that political competition does not undermine governance, unity and development after elections.

The statement was signed by Onanuga on August 16, 2026.

Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke, Says Osun Victory Affirms Nigeria’s Democratic Progress

Ataoja Congratulates Adeleke on Osun Governorship Election Victory

The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Abidemi Larooye II, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the August 15, 2026, governorship election.

The monarch described Adeleke’s victory as a reflection of the confidence reposed in him by the people of the state, while commending the electorate for exercising their democratic rights peacefully.

In a statement issued by the Media Unit of the Ataoja’s Palace, Oba Larooye also urged all candidates, political parties and their supporters to accept the outcome of the election in the spirit of democracy.

The monarch advised anyone dissatisfied with the result to seek redress through lawful and constitutional channels, stressing the need to preserve peace and stability in the state.

The Ataoja expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for respecting the democratic process and acknowledging the outcome of the election.

According to him, allowing the will of the people to prevail remains essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and promoting peace and stability.

Oba Larooye further acknowledged the cordial relationship between the people of Osogbo and the Adeleke family, urging the governor to reciprocate the goodwill by sustaining his commitment to the development of Osogbo and Osun State.

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He called on Adeleke to prioritise developmental projects, improved infrastructure, economic opportunities and programmes capable of improving the living standards of residents across the state.

The monarch also urged the governor, following the conclusion of the election, to extend a hand of fellowship to citizens across political divides and govern with maturity, fairness, inclusiveness and compassion.

He prayed that Almighty Allah would grant Adeleke wisdom, good health, strength and divine guidance to utilise his renewed mandate for the peace, unity, prosperity and sustainable development of Osun State.

“Congratulations, Your Excellency, Asiwaju Dr. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, on your renewed mandate. May your second term bring greater development and prosperity to the good people of Osun State,” the monarch said.

The statement was signed by the Media Unit of the Palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo Land.

Ataoja Congratulates Adeleke on Osun Governorship Election Victory