There was drama, on Thursday, at the Edo Assembly complex with forces for and against Governor Godwin Obaseki reeling out different narratives.
There was indication that trouble was brewing in the morning when Police operatives stormed the complex.
Their mission was unknown but the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alleged the police were there to provide security for those out to effect a regime change in the Assembly.
Governor Obaseki and his deputy, Phillip Shuaibu, moved promptly to the complex with PDP supporters also mobilised.
Obaseki and the Speaker loyal to him Frank Okiye later addressed PDP supporters at the complex.
They alleged there were plans by All Progressives Congress (APC) forces to take over the complex and impeach Okiye.
Obaseki vowed he would do anything within his powers to forestall forceful takeover of the complex.
It was alleged that 14 lawmakers opposed to the Governor had been seen around the complex reportedly to move against Okiye.
Three other lawmakers earlier with Godwin Obaseki later joined forces with them.
To prevent this, sources said the Governor allegedly ordered the heaping of sand at the front of the Assembly complex, claiming it was undergoing immediate renovation.
Several artisans were also seen removing the roof of the complex around 3pm.
But anti-Obaseki lawmakers later met at an undisclosed venue where they impeached Okiye and his Deputy, Roland Asoro.
They elected Victor Edoror of Esan Central constituency as new Speaker at an emergency plenary session attended by 17 of the 24-member Assembly
Representative of Akoko Edo constituency II, Emmanuel Agbaje, was elected as Deputy Speaker while the 14 members-elect were also inaugurated at the sitting in Benin.
Edoror assured the 7th Assembly would focus on its legislative duties and never pursue removal of any member of the executives.
He called for unity while declaring that there was no victor, no vanquished.
Edoror also directed security chiefs to eject vandals that invaded the Assembly complex for rancor-free plenary sessions from Friday.
The 17 lawmakers are backing APC governorship candidate for the September 19 poll, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu while seven are with Obaseki.
