Hon. Aondona Dajoh, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, announced his resignation from office on Sunday, August 24, 2025. In a letter addressed to the clerk of the assembly, Dajoh stated that his decision was made "in good faith and in the best interest of the state." He expressed gratitude to his colleagues for the opportunity to serve and pledged to remain committed to his duties as a legislator and representative for the Gboko West State Constituency.

Dajoh's resignation came swiftly, just 48 hours after four members of the assembly, including Alfred Berger, representing Makurdi North; Terna Shimawua of Kian; Cyril Ekong of Obi; and James Umoru representing Apa constituency, were suspended over an alleged plot to impeach him. Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State promptly distanced himself from the controversy, asserting that he had no role in the alleged scheme to remove Dajoh from his leadership position.

Following Dajoh's departure, the Benue State House of Assembly convened an emergency sitting on the same Sunday to elect a new Speaker. Hon. Alfred Berger, the member representing Makurdi North Constituency and one of the previously suspended lawmakers, was elected to the position. The emergency session was presided over by Hon. Lami Ogenyi, the Deputy Speaker. Prior to his election, the House unanimously lifted the suspension placed on Berger and the three other members just days earlier, setting aside its rules to facilitate the leadership transition.

Upon his election and swearing-in, Speaker Berger assured his colleagues of his dedication to fostering unity and collaboration. He declared, “I consider this a call to service and a renewed responsibility to lead with fairness, inclusivity, and transparency.” Berger emphasized that his primary focus would be on stabilizing the House, healing past divisions, and working in concert with Governor Hyacinth Alia and the people of Benue to fulfill their legislative mandate. The new Speaker, who had previously served as the House spokesperson, underscored his commitment to reconciliation, viewing past challenges as integral to legislative politics that should not impede collective progress. He affirmed, “I hold no grudges. The task before us now is to unite, legislate effectively, and support the executive in driving policies that benefit our people.”

The recent leadership change unfolds amidst a backdrop of ongoing political crisis within the Benue assembly, which has persisted for several months. In February, the assembly had suspended 13 lawmakers for a period of three months. This suspension stemmed from their alleged opposition to the removal of Maurice Ikpambese, the state’s Chief Judge, who faced accusations of gross misconduct and corruption. While the suspended lawmakers were initially reported to have voted for Ikpambese’s removal, they later dissociated themselves from the decision, citing procedural irregularities. Some of these suspended lawmakers were subsequently reinstated in July.

In a tragic turn of events connected to the day's political developments, Hon. Aondona Dajoh's elder brother, Elder Gwamile Dajoh, suddenly passed away. Elder Gwamile reportedly collapsed and died on Sunday, just hours after his younger brother tendered his resignation as Speaker. Sources indicated that the late Elder Dajoh had been deeply concerned over the political crisis in the House prior to his sudden passing, adding a somber note to the day's events in Benue State.