Group demands transparency over circumstances surrounding Agbebaku’s exit, raises concerns over Owan’s political representation in Edo
BENIN CITY, EDO STATE | AUGUST 28, 2026
Owan Conscience has condemned the reported removal and subsequent impeachment of the former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, describing the development as a disturbing political episode that raises serious questions about the position of the Owan people in the political leadership of Edo State.
In a statement signed by Barr. Richard Ofen-Imu on behalf of Owan Conscience, the group expressed what it described as “grave concern, outrage and deep disappointment” over the circumstances surrounding Agbebaku’s reported resignation and subsequent impeachment.
According to the group, the development should not be viewed merely as the political fate of one lawmaker, but as an issue affecting the wider political representation and influence of the Owan people in Edo State.
Owan Conscience alleged that the sequence of events surrounding Agbebaku’s exit could be part of a broader political pattern aimed at diminishing Owan’s influence and reducing the presence of Owan people in principal positions of authority within the state.
The group said the circumstances surrounding the former Speaker’s reported resignation, removal and subsequent impeachment require clear explanations from the relevant authorities.
Of particular concern to the organisation is the reported impeachment following the controversy surrounding Agbebaku’s resignation.
Owan Conscience questioned the constitutional and procedural basis for commencing or concluding an impeachment process if the former Speaker had already resigned from office.
“If a Speaker had already resigned, the people deserve to know the constitutionality and procedural basis for subsequent impeachment,” the group stated.
It argued that the question was legitimate and deserved a transparent answer from the relevant authorities.
The group further expressed concern over what it described as the timing, manner and sequence of events surrounding Agbebaku’s removal.
According to Owan Conscience, the circumstances have created an impression that political forces may have sought to weaken Owan representation in the state’s principal political institutions.
The organisation also alleged that the reported forced resignation, suspension and subsequent impeachment were influenced by forces outside the legislative arm of government.
It described such alleged interference as a potential threat to the constitutional independence of the legislature, arguing that the Edo State House of Assembly should be allowed to conduct its affairs in accordance with the Constitution and its established rules.
Owan Conscience maintained that political disagreements should not be used as instruments to intimidate lawmakers or deny any section of Edo State fair political representation.
The group recalled the contributions of Owan people to the political, economic and social development of Edo State, insisting that the people should not be treated as dispensable when positions of political authority are being distributed.
It said the continued loss of Owan representation from principal positions of authority should concern not only Owan people but every citizen who believes in fairness, equity and inclusive governance.
The organisation consequently demanded full transparency concerning the circumstances surrounding Agbebaku’s reported resignation, removal and subsequent impeachment.
It also called on relevant authorities to provide explanations capable of addressing concerns over the legality, procedure and circumstances surrounding the former Speaker’s exit.
Owan Conscience warned that political differences must never be weaponised against a particular community or used to permanently exclude any section of the state from meaningful participation in governance.
The group declared that Owan people would continue to demand justice, due process and fair political representation.
“OWAN IS NOT A POLITICAL APPENDAGE TO ANY TRIBE OR GROUP. We will not be intimidated and silenced. We will not accept political marginalisation as our permanent destiny,” the organisation declared.
The statement concluded with a call for justice and due process, stressing that political leadership in Edo State should reflect fairness, inclusion and respect for constitutional principles.
The development comes amid heightened political conversations in Edo State over the composition of the leadership of the State House of Assembly and the political balance among the various communities and interests across the state.
IBN NEWS will continue to follow developments surrounding the Edo State House of Assembly and the reactions from political stakeholders, lawmakers, community groups and other concerned citizens.
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