There was uproar in the Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday as lawmakers clashed over the nomination of Hon. Ojie Eugene Inegbeboh as Minority Whip by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The row erupted after Speaker Blessing Agbebaku read a letter from PDP’s state caretaker committee chairman, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, nominating Inegbeboh for the role, following the defection of former Minority Whip, Hon. Yekini Idaiye, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last week.
Agbebaku said the PDP, after due consultations, nominated Inegbeboh of Igueben Constituency to fill the vacant position. However, as some members attempted to raise objections, the speaker overruled them.
Tensions escalated when Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Addeh Isibor Emakhu, argued that Aziegbemi was not the legitimate PDP caretaker chairman, citing court orders that recognise Dan Orbih, the South-South zonal vice chairman, as the party’s authority in the state.
He stressed that “no illegitimate officer” should be allowed to preside over both APC and PDP members in the House.
But Minority Leader, Hon. Charity Ighodalo, accused Emakhu of misleading the House, warning that “misinformation is an offence.”
The heated exchange led to chaos until the Speaker restored order, warning lawmakers to respect the House’s decorum.
“This is indiscipline in the chamber. Please respect the gavel,” Agbebaku said. “Anyone aggrieved should go to court. I have no business with PDP affairs because I am in the APC.”
He then threatened to adjourn the sitting if disorder continued.
