Edo Ex-speaker Agbebaku Faces Probe For Alleged Corruption, Financial Impropriety As House Dissolves All Committees

by Idahosa Musa

Edo lawmakers, on Tuesday, constituted a five-member ad-hoc committee to investigate allegations of corruption and financial impropriety against the immediate past Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku.

The decision to probe the troubled ex- speaker which was announced by the new Speaker of the House, Yekini Idaiye, during plenary in Benin is coming after the dissolution of all standing committees of the House.

Idaiye said the dissolution of the standing committees was aimed at enabling the House to “reevaluate legislative duties, improve administrative efficiency and give members new committee experience.”

The Speaker subsequently inaugurated the five-member ad-hoc committee to investigate allegations against Agbebaku, including claims of inflated procurement costs involving Lexus Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and Hilux trucks.

The committee, which has two weeks to submit its report to the House, is chaired by Bright Iyamu, representing Orhionmwon South Constituency.

Other members of the committee are Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo II), Andrew Uzamere (Ovia North-East II), Kingsley Ugabi (Etsako East) and Maria Edeko (Esan North-East II).

Agbebaku had resigned as Speaker shortly before the election of Idaiye as his successor on August 17, 2026.

Agbekaku’s resignation followed allegations of corruption and financial impropriety levelled against him, which brewed to the point of potential impeachment.

However, the allegations remain subject to the outcome of the House’s investigation.

Meanwhile, the House received and adopted reports on the screening of nominees for key state commissions.

Dr David Osifo was confirmed as a member of the Edo State Judicial Service Commission, while Oscar Onaiwu was confirmed as a member of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission.

The Assembly also received a letter from Governor Monday Okpebholo, requesting the screening and confirmation of nominees for the positions of chairman and members of the Edo Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Shittu Shaibu was named chairman of the screening committee for the nominees, who were subsequently confirmed by the House.

The Assembly thereafter adjourned plenary until Wednesday, August 19, 2026.