Tensions soared in the Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday following the appointment of a new Whip for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), sparking heated exchanges among lawmakers.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, announced Hon. Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo II) as the new PDP Whip during plenary, a move that immediately triggered vocal protests from a faction of legislators who alleged that due process was ignored.
Some members of the PDP, particularly those aligned with the old guard loyal to former governor Adams Oshiomhole’s influence, expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as a unilateral decision by the Speaker and his allies.
“The appointment was made without consultation with the full caucus,” one visibly angry lawmaker said, insisting that the nomination should have undergone internal party deliberations before being formalized.
The uproar disrupted proceedings for nearly 30 minutes as tempers flared and accusations flew across party lines. Order was eventually restored after the Speaker called for a closed-door session to resolve the matter.
In his defense, Speaker Agbebaku said the decision followed internal realignments within the PDP in Edo and was aimed at ensuring “effective legislative coordination and party discipline” as the state approaches a critical election year.
Political analysts say the development reflects the lingering divisions within the Edo PDP, split between Governor Godwin Obaseki’s camp and loyalists of long-standing party stakeholders. The internal power struggle has played out repeatedly in the Assembly, often affecting legislative cohesion.
Despite the uproar, Hon. Okogbe’s appointment stands, barring any reversal from the PDP leadership at the state level.
The Assembly has adjourned to reconvene next week, with expectations that party leaders will weigh in to prevent further fallout.
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