BENIN CITY- The Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Justin Okonoboh has been impeached by 19 out of the 24 lawmakers in the House who signed his impeachment notice.

In his place, the member representing Akoko-Edo I Constituency, Hon. Kabiru Adjoto was immediately sworn-in as substantive Speaker to bring to an abrupt end, the one year reign of the impeached speaker.

The impeachment of Okonoboh and his Deputy, Hon. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Ativie yesterday was sequel to a motion moved by the member representing Akoko Edo II Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Agbaje and seconded by the member representing Orhionmwon-South Constituency, Hon. Roland Asoro, passing a vote of no confidence on the leadership of the former Speaker and his Deputy.

The parliament was however thrown into chaotic scene as members engaged in a free for all throwing chairs around as weapons to fend off intruders, while others who signed the impeachment notices approached the former Speaker appealing to him to step down from his position.

Okonoboh without hesitations stepped down, giving way for the emergence of Hon. Sylvanus Eranga (PDP Etsako West II) as speaker protempore.

Hon. Eruaga, Speaker protempore nominated Hon. Kabir Adjoto as the Speaker, in a motion seconded by the member representing Esan South East constituency (APC), Hon. Festus Edughele

The new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adjoto, immediately after he was sworn-in by the Clerk of the House, Mr. James Omoatama, said that the change in the leadership of the House had become imperative in view of series of activities culminating in abuse of the office of the Speaker.

Hon. Adjoto further said that the House under the watch of the impeached Speaker was reputed for abruptly adjourning plenary at will with all sorts of celebrations to honour members of his immediate family to the detriment of having in place effective legislation that would drive the development policies of the administration.

Hon. Victor Edoror, member representing Esan Central (APC) and Hon. Roland Asoro of Orhionmwon South (APC) however emerged as the Deputy Speaker and Majority Leader of the House respectively.

Meanwhile, the new Speaker of the House has announced the suspension of the former Speaker, Dr. Justin Okonoboh, his Deputy, Hon. Elizabeth Ativie and the Majority Leader, Hon. Foly Ogedengbe for 3 months to allow for probe into the financial records of the tenure of the former speaker.

The member representing Esan North East II, Hon. Desmond Ezehi Igbas was also suspended by the speaker for three 3 months for his unruly behaviour within the hallowed chambers of the parliament.

The impeached Speaker, his Deputy and the Majority Leader have been requested to return their official vehicles and immediately vacate their official residence within the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the impeached Speaker, Hon. Justin Okonoboh in an interview with pressmen shortly after his removal from office said that the impeachment process was null and void as it was not possible for eleven (11) lawmakers to carry out an impeachment process.