Esan Coalition Gives Edo Speaker 21 Day Ultimatum to Resign

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, has been given 21 days to vacate his seat as the speaker of the state assembly for alleged breach of the tripod agreement.

A Coalition of Esan Youth Leaders which comprises of political leaders, traditional rulers and student youth body from the district, made the call saying Adjoto’s resignation will pave way for equal political balancing with other senatorial districts.

Since the advent of current political dispensation, Edo State has always stood on a tripod in power sharing.
Before the current disruption, the state was ruled by Governor Godwin Obaseki (Edo South), Phillip Shaibu (Edo North) Deputy Governor, and the Speaker, Dr. Justin Okonobor (Edo Central).

However, this arrangement was disrupted last year when Kabiru Adjoto from Edo North swept away Okonoboh (Edo Central), thus making the north to acquire the positions of both the deputy governor and speaker, leaving the central district with none of the three key positions.

In the letter calling for Adjoto’s resignation the coalition said since 2008, the zone has been marginalised, and must be addressed in the spirit of fairness, justice and equity.

The declaration, which was signed by Mr. Odion Ekeoba, Secretary General and Saint Moses Eromosele, Public Relations Officer (PRO), was made available to journalists in Benin City.
The group also appealed to the state government to grant their eight demands.