BENIN CITY, EDO STATE — The Owan Youth Assembly (OYA) has condemned what it described as the controversial impeachment of the former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku, insisting that the development raises serious questions about political representation, parliamentary procedure and the place of the Owan Nation in Edo State politics.
The group, in a strongly worded statement, said it was particularly concerned that Agbebaku, who represents Owan West Constituency, had reportedly announced his resignation as Speaker on August 17, 2026, amid moves to remove him from office, only for the Edo State House of Assembly to subsequently reject the resignation and proceed with an impeachment process.
According to the Owan Youth Assembly, Agbebaku had maintained that he voluntarily resigned from the leadership position and that his resignation letter was formally submitted in the interest of peace, progress and the development of Edo State.
The youth body said the subsequent decision by the House to treat the matter as an impeachment had created a controversy that deserved clear public explanation.
The Owan Youth Assembly noted that the House had reportedly maintained that Agbebaku’s resignation was not formally received or documented, while the former Speaker disputed that position, insisting that he handed his resignation letter to the Majority Leader, who subsequently presented it to the Deputy Speaker during plenary.
The group said the disagreement over the circumstances of the resignation should not be allowed to undermine the dignity of the legislative institution or the constitutional rights of the people represented by the former Speaker.
It argued that irrespective of the political disagreements involved, parliamentary democracy must be guided by transparency, due process and respect for the electorate.
The Owan Youth Assembly further expressed concern that the controversy had once again brought questions surrounding the political representation of the Owan people to the forefront.
The group said Owan people had contributed significantly to the political, economic and social development of Edo State and should not be treated as politically expendable.
The organisation declared that Owan East and Owan West must be given meaningful consideration whenever critical political decisions affecting the state are being made.
It said the Owan Nation would no longer accept a situation where its people were actively courted during elections but allegedly sidelined when leadership positions and political decisions were being determined.
The group stressed that its position should not be interpreted as a call for confrontation or political violence.
Rather, it said it was demanding justice, fairness, inclusion, democratic values and equal political treatment for the Owan people.
The Owan Youth Assembly called on political leaders, lawmakers, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders across Edo State to approach the controversy with maturity and avoid actions capable of deepening political divisions.
It also urged Owan youths to remain calm, united and politically conscious, stressing that the interests of the Owan Nation must be pursued through peaceful, lawful and democratic channels.
The organisation maintained that the events surrounding Agbebaku’s removal should be viewed beyond the immediate political dispute, arguing that they should serve as a wake-up call for Owan people to become more organised and politically engaged.
According to the group, political consciousness, unity and constructive participation would be necessary for the Owan Nation to protect its interests within the broader political structure of Edo State.
The Owan Youth Assembly said Owan people deserve equity, inclusion, representation and respect, adding that political disagreements must never become a justification for marginalising an entire community.
The group concluded with a firm message to political stakeholders in Edo State: Owan is demanding a fair place in the political leadership and decision-making structure of the state.
The organisation said the Owan Nation deserves a seat at the table, meaningful representation and respect, while reaffirming that it would continue to defend what it considers the legitimate interests of Owan people through peaceful and democratic means.
The controversy surrounding the former Speaker’s exit from office is expected to continue to attract political and public attention as stakeholders examine the circumstances surrounding his reported resignation, the subsequent impeachment and its wider implications for legislative politics in Edo State.
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