The removal of the immediate past Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, was long overdue, according to Comr. Mike O. Enahoro, who has defended Governor Monday Okpebholo and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state against criticism over the development.

Enahoro, in a statement, said Governor Okpebholo deserved commendation for what he described as his extraordinary patience toward Agbebaku, arguing that the former Speaker had remained in office longer than many political leaders would have tolerated given the controversies surrounding his tenure.

He also rejected attempts to blame Edo APC Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, and his deputy, Hon. Sylvester Aigboboh, for Agbebaku’s removal.

According to him, the political decisions and choices made by Agbebaku over time inevitably created consequences that eventually affected his political standing.

“In all sincerity, the Executive Governor of Edo State, H.E. Sen. Monday Okpebholo deserves commendation for the extraordinary patience he demonstrated toward the immediate past Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku,” Enahoro said.

He argued that the governor’s restraint, coupled with appeals from APC leaders, contributed to Agbebaku remaining in the leadership of the House for as long as he did.

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Enahoro further contended that keeping someone perceived as politically unreliable within the leadership structure could create difficulties for a political party preparing for another election cycle.

Enahoro recalls Agbebaku’s role in Edo Assembly politics

The political commentator also questioned Agbebaku’s record during his time as Speaker, particularly his role in the political developments that weakened the then-dominant Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Edo State House of Assembly.

He argued that a Speaker who enjoys the confidence of his political structure should demonstrate loyalty and courage during critical political moments.

Enahoro compared Agbebaku’s record with the actions of former Senate President Bukola Saraki and other lawmakers who, according to him, demonstrated greater political courage in challenging political structures when necessary.

He maintained that Agbebaku’s past political conduct should naturally influence how current political actors assess his reliability.

“In politics, past conduct is often the clearest indicator of future behaviour,” he stated.

Enahoro therefore urged critics to stop blaming Tenebe and Aigboboh, arguing that the APC leadership was acting in what it considered to be the party’s political interest.

He said the APC would naturally prefer to work with individuals it considers more politically dependable, including former Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Maria Edeko and others who subsequently joined the party.

‘Leadership comes with accountability’

Enahoro also rejected the suggestion that Agbebaku could portray his removal as punishment for simply “doing the right thing.”

He argued that political leadership involves accountability and that individuals who make controversial decisions while in office must be prepared to accept the consequences of those decisions.

“Leadership is about accountability, consistency and responsibility,” he said.

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According to him, Agbebaku cannot selectively invoke principles of legality and constitutionalism when defending his own political position while ignoring similar arguments when his previous decisions are being scrutinised.

He specifically referenced the controversial removal of elected Local Government Council executives during Agbebaku’s tenure, arguing that the former Speaker should explain the apparent contradiction between those actions and his present posture on constitutional and political issues.

‘Political loyalty remains important’

The statement also accused Agbebaku of creating the perception that he had turned against the political structure that helped establish his career.

Enahoro said the PDP provided Agbebaku with the platform through which he rose to political prominence and eventually became Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly.

While acknowledging that political loyalty could not be legally enforced, he said it remained an important element of political relationships.

“Those who rise through the sacrifice and support of a political family should understand that political choices have consequences,” he said.

Enahoro argued that Agbebaku’s subsequent movement into the APC would not automatically guarantee political acceptance among voters.

2027 election will determine Agbebaku’s fate

With Agbebaku now holding the APC ticket, Enahoro said the former Speaker’s ultimate political test would come during the 2027 general election, when voters in Owan West will decide whether to return him to the Edo State House of Assembly.

He expressed doubts that the former Speaker would win re-election, arguing that voters consider a politician’s record, alliances and conduct when making electoral decisions.

“A party can give a politician a ticket, but only the people can give him a mandate,” he said.

Enahoro stressed that securing a party nomination was different from winning the confidence of voters, adding that political trust could be difficult to rebuild once lost.