Edo New Speaker Accuses Agbebaku of Vehicle Cost Inflation

Idiaye made the allegation on Monday during his inauguration as Speaker, where he also accused the former leadership of failing to meet the standards set by members of the eighth Assembly.

The newly elected Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idiaye, has accused his predecessor, Blessing Agbebaku, of allegedly inflating the cost of Lexus 570 and Toyota Hilux vehicles purchased for lawmakers.

Idiaye made the allegation on Monday during his inauguration as Speaker, where he also accused the former leadership of failing to meet the standards set by members of the eighth Assembly.

The new Speaker said the Assembly was established to make laws, conduct oversight and represent the interests of the people, rather than serve as a platform for social gatherings where one individual determines when the House sits.

He said repeated attempts to reform the leadership of the House were resisted, prompting the suspension of Agbebaku pending investigation into the allegations against him.

Idiaye said the Assembly was inaugurated on June 16, 2023, with 24 members committed to legislating for the common good and improving the living conditions of Edo residents.

He said, “To ensure that these weighty allegations, amongst which is inflating the price of purchasing the Lexus 570 jeeps and Hilux vehicles, are thoroughly investigated, hence the suspension of the former Speaker pending when these allegations are fully looked into.

“We shall not allow the House to be riddled with misdirections and corruption due to the error and greed of few men.”

Idiaye vowed that the Assembly would not again allow what he described as a “blind and greedy man” to lead the legislature.

He also ordered the dissolution of all political office holders attached to the office of the immediate past Speaker.

The new Speaker directed that all documents and official paraphernalia in Agbebaku’s possession be handed over to the Clerk of the House, who would brief the new leadership.

He further directed the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to withdraw the official status accorded to the office of the former Speaker pending the conclusion of investigations.