An Edo political activist, community leader and concerned stakeholder for justice and equity in Owan Nation, Gordie Aigbodion, has condemned the recent resignation of the former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.
Agbebaku resigned as Speaker last Wednesday amid reports that he was facing impeachment by his colleagues. He was subsequently replaced by the member representing Akoko-Edo I State Constituency, Hon. Yekini Idaiye, who has since assumed leadership of the legislature.
However, Aigbodion, in a statement made available to journalists in Benin City on Sunday, described Agbebaku’s alleged forced resignation as a “slap” on the people of Owan West.
He alleged that there was a deliberate attempt to marginalise the people of Owan despite their contributions to the development of Edo State, adding that their political influence and votes were being undermined by some individuals in authority.
According to him, the Owan Nation, comprising Owan West and Owan East Local Government Areas, was deeply concerned about the circumstances surrounding Agbebaku’s exit from office.
“The Owan Nation, across Owan West and Owan East Local Government Areas, registers its profound discontent, outrage, and outright rejection of the orchestrated removal and forced resignation of our illustrious son, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, as the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly,” he said.
Aigbodion alleged that Agbebaku’s removal was characterised by “backroom intimidation, executive arm twisting, and the rapid fielding of trumped-up allegations of corruption and high-handedness,” describing the development as a subversion of legislative independence and democratic principles.
He acknowledged that political manoeuvring was not unusual in parliamentary politics but alleged that politicians within the executive arm of government had exerted undue influence to compel the exit of the former Speaker.
He argued that such interference could undermine constitutional checks and balances and reduce the legislature to what he described as a “rubber stamp” of the executive.
While stressing that the people of Owan did not support or encourage corruption by public officials, Aigbodion said the manner in which Agbebaku was removed left much to be desired.
He also commended the former Speaker for what he described as his efforts in facilitating constituency outreach and local development initiatives in Owan West and other parts of Edo North during his tenure.
Aigbodion cautioned the state government and the executive arm against what he described as political bullying and disregard for the people of Owan.
“Owan votes are not mere election-day collateral. Owan West and Owan East have consistently delivered solid, lawful votes that determined past and present electoral victories in Edo State,” he said.
He called for an end to what he described as the “disrespect, tactical disenfranchisement, and political bullying” of elected representatives from the area.
The activist also urged traditional and political leaders across Owan, regardless of party affiliation, to speak out against what he described as the marginalisation of the Owan people.
He said the alleged treatment of Agbebaku should be viewed as a matter affecting the collective political voice and bargaining power of the entire Owan Nation.
