The Benue State House of Assembly has been plunged into fresh uncertainty as Speaker Hon. Aondona Dajoh abruptly resigned on Sunday, ending a week marked by high-stakes political drama, suspensions, and bitter controversies.
Dajoh’s resignation, formally communicated in a letter dated August 24, 2025, came just four days after he wielded the gavel to suspend four of his colleagues accused of plotting his removal.
“I write to resign my position as the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, effective today,” Dajoh’s letter read. “This is done in good faith and in the best interest of the state. I remain committed to serving Gboko West State Constituency as their representative.”
The resignation shocked many lawmakers who had only days earlier watched Dajoh flex political muscle inside the chamber. He ordered the suspension of Alfred Berger (Makurdi North), Terna Shimawua (Kian), Cyril Ekong (Obi), and James Umoru (Apa) for six months, accusing them of stoking crisis.
As the Sergeant-at-Arms escorted the quartet out, Dajoh swiftly named Audu Elias as the new House spokesperson, replacing Berger.
But by Sunday, the Speaker himself was out — a move that has thrown the Assembly into fresh confusion over who controls the gavel.
The storm inside the legislature sparked speculation of executive interference. However, Governor Hyacinth Alia quickly washed his hands of the unfolding crisis.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor declared:
“Governor Alia is not aware of and has no involvement whatsoever in any attempt to remove the Speaker or in any activities currently taking place in the Benue State House of Assembly. He continues to enjoy a cordial and productive working relationship with the Assembly.”
The Assembly’s troubles deepened further on Saturday during the screening of commissioner nominees. While six were cleared, two were rejected amid heated petitions.
Law professor Timothy Ornguga was turned down after four petitions from former students questioned his integrity and academic record. Lawmakers also pressed him on his claim of not possessing a primary school certificate.
Another nominee, James Dwen, failed to shake off allegations raised against him and was also rejected.
With the Speaker’s sudden exit, a divided chamber, and controversies piling up, analysts warn the Benue Assembly may be heading into a prolonged leadership struggle.
For now, Dajoh has retreated to the backbenches, vowing loyalty to his Gboko West constituents. But inside the Assembly, the question remains: who really holds the gavel in Benue?