A heated confrontation broke out in the Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday following the nomination of Hon. Ojie Eugene Inegbeboh as Minority Whip by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The commotion began after the Speaker, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, read a letter from Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, the state PDP caretaker committee chairman, putting forward Inegbeboh of the Igueben Constituency to replace Hon. Yekini Idaiye, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Agbebaku noted that the PDP had carried out necessary consultations before nominating Inegbeboh.
Attempts by some legislators to oppose the move were quickly dismissed by the Speaker.
Tensions reached a boiling point when Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Addeh Isibor Emakhu, challenged the legitimacy of Aziegbemi’s authority.
He argued that, based on existing court rulings, the rightful leader of the party in the state is Dan Orbih, the PDP South-South zonal vice chairman.
He asserted that “no illegitimate officer” should be recognized to influence the composition of both APC and PDP representation in the House.
In a sharp rebuttal, Minority Leader, Hon. Charity Ighodalo accused Emakhu of spreading falsehoods within the chamber.
She cautioned: “Misinformation is an offence.”
The exchange led to a noisy scene, forcing the Speaker to call the House to order.
He sternly urged lawmakers to maintain discipline.
“This is indiscipline in the chamber. Please respect the gavel,” Agbebaku stated.
“Anyone aggrieved should go to court. I have no business with PDP affairs because I am in the APC.”
