The Edo State House of Assembly has directed the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) to organize bye-elections within three weeks to fill vacant seats in the legislative arm of local government councils.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Majority Leader Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, who explained that some councilors had abandoned their duties, leaving several wards without proper representation. He stressed that the legislative arm remains critical to grassroots governance, citing Section 12 (1) of the amended Local Government Law.
Lawmakers including Hon. Adeh Isibor, Hon. Sunday Ojezele, Rt. Hon. Osawonyi Atu, Hon. Edosa Osaro, and Hon. Natasha Osawaru all supported the motion, referencing constitutional provisions that empower the State Assembly to oversee the structure, finance, and operations of local governments.
After debate, Speaker Rt. Hon. Chief Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku put the motion to a voice vote, and it was unanimously adopted. He instructed Clerk Alhaji Yahaya Audu Omogbai to forward clean copies of the resolution to relevant authorities for immediate action.
In the same sitting, the House passed the Edo State Lottery Bill, repealing the 2020 Gaming Law. The new legislation establishes the Edo State Lottery, the Edo State Lottery Regulatory Commission, and the Edo State Lottery Trust Fund. The bill, considered clause by clause at the Committee of the Whole, is to be transmitted to Governor Monday Okpebholo for assent.
The Assembly also received a list of nominees for commissioner positions and members of the Edo State Civil Service Commission. Those nominated as commissioners are Vincent Osas Uwadiae, Etinosa Ogbeiwi, Saturday Idehen, Prof. Roland Otaru, and Charity Amanayaevbo.
For the Civil Service Commission, Oko Ose Samuel was nominated as chairman, with Deborah Enakhimion, David Oviawe, and Isikpe Irene Kadiri as members. The Speaker referred the list to the Rules and Business Committee for further consideration.
Plenary was adjourned to Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
