At least 17 lawmakers of the Edo State House of Assembly on Thursday claimed that they have impeached the Speaker of the House, Francis Okiye, and his deputy, Roland Asoro.

The 17 members include 14 members whose seats have been previously declared vacant.

The decision was taken at a private location in the state capital, hours after security officials took over the State Assembly Complex and some men attacked the building, destroying parts of it.

At the meeting, the 14 lawmakers-elect were, who were first sworn in, together with three other lawmakers who recently pledged their allegiance to Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) claimed to have impeached the Speaker and his deputy, Roland Asoro.

The Edo State House of Assembly has been embroiled in a crisis since 2019, one that has now been worsened by the buildup to the governorship elections in the state.