Seventeen lawmakers of the Edo State House of Assembly, including 14 members whose seats have been previously declared vacant have been sworn in a private location in Benin City, the state capital.

The lawmakers also claim that they have impeached the Speaker of the House, FRANCIS OKIYE, and his deputy, ROLAND ASORO.

The decision was taken hours after security officials took over the State Assembly Complex.

In their place, the lawmakers say they have elected VICTOR EDOROR and EMMANUEL AGBAJE as Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively.