Edo Assembly Speaker Agbebaku Apologises to APC Leaders in Owan West Amid Re-election Tensions

(Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku. Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Blessing Agbebaku, the speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, apologized to the leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress in the Owan West Local Government Area on Friday.

Agbebaku was required by Owan West officials to make an apology in order to be accepted as one of the candidates running for the House of Assembly and to align with the party's local leadership, which is led by Lucky Ohimai, also known as Tarex.

According to Agbebaku, he was visiting the house in order to harmonize and align with the Ohimai-led Owan West APC family.

The Speaker claimed that ardent and anonymous supporters were the cause of previous miscommunications. He promised complete cooperation and made a public apology.

"I have never and will not contest his party leadership in Owan West," he declared.

"I also want my brother Tarex to know that I'm running for reelection. I urge everyone to take use of this chance wisely so that everyone can profit.

Members of the meeting unanimously rejected the Speaker's appeal for support for his third-term run to the House of Assembly and requested him to join the queue with four other candidates who had also expressed interest.

"Nobody in his right senses should contemplate giving his plea a thought," stated Lewis Ekpenga, chairman of Ward 11. There are other Owan West residents that are competent to run for this job than Hon. Agbebaku.

"And if we put him forward as our candidate, we will be doing the greatest injustice to our people given his background before, during, and after the governorship election."

According to Johnson Abolagba, there was widespread agreement that the governor should consider candidates who worked hard to win his election in 2024.

"I believe the governor should consider candidates who worked for his election in order to maintain stability and reward party loyalty. I am referring to individuals such as Juliana Ikharo, Barr. George Ohioma, Atafo Gold, and Hon. Frank Ilaboya.

He stated, "It's only fair to look in their direction because these people have been unwavering in their support for the party."

APC Chairman in Owan West LGA, Joy Ohonyon, Johnson Abolagba, Joe Ekpekhio, Ojo Asein, and Stanley Amu were among those in attendance.