BREAKING: Controversy As Edo State House of Assembly Speaker Resigns, New Leader Emerges

The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie, has on Monday, July 25, honourably resigned. She has been replaced by the Deputy Speaker, Dr. Justin Okonoboh.

It would be recalled, that Honourable Ativie, was sworn in as Speaker on May ‎3, 2016, after Honourable Victor Edoror, was impeached, following crisis in the House.

Honourable Ativie, decided to step down after a motion was moved by the Majority Leader, Folly Ogedengbe, under matters of urgent public importance, for a change in the leadership of the House.

Honourable Ogedengbe, explained that the change was necessary, to ensure fairness in the political system, so that the three senatorial districts would be represented.

Rules 1 (2), 20, 22 and 73 of the House were relaxed, before the member representing Owan East, ‎asked Ativie to step down for the Igueben Lawmaker to assume officer, while she took office as his Deputy.

Moving the motion that Ativie steps down from her role, Ogedengbe said, “I am going to move that there is a change of leadership in the House in order that this state moves forward, that there will be fairness and equity in the system, that the three senatorial districts will be properly accommodated. I am going to move with a heavy heart.”

“I move, therefore, that the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie, should step down and assume office as Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and that the Deputy Speaker, Dr. Justin Okonoboh, be promoted as the new Speaker.‎”