Political stakeholders and concerned citizens from Owan Federal Constituency of Edo state have protested the resignation of the former speaker of the Edo state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, alleging that the circumstances surrounding his exit reflected a broader pattern of political marginalisation of Owan people.
The group also expressed concern over what it described as political pressure and interference in the affairs of the legislature, warning that such actions could undermine the independence of the assembly and weaken the constitutional principle of separation of powers.
Agbebaku resigned as speaker recently following mounting political pressure and allegations surrounding his leadership. His departure subsequently resulted in a change in the leadership of the House and generated reactions among political stakeholders across the State.
In a statement signed by Hon. Gordie Aigbodion on Monday and made available to journalists in Benin City, the Owan stakeholders said they were dissatisfied with what they described as the circumstances that forced the former speaker out of office.
The group alleged that backroom intimidation, executive arm-twisting and political allegations were used to pressure Agbebaku into relinquishing his position.
It argued: “While disagreements and political contests were normal features of democratic governance, alleged interference by the executive in the leadership of the legislature could erode the independence of the institution.”
