Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared the seat of Monday Okpebholo at the upper legislative chamber vacant.

During a valedictory session in his honour on Wednesday, Akpabio declared Okpebholo’s seat vacant, acting on a request by Abba Moro, the minority leader of the senate.

Okpebholo was the senator representing Edo central until he became the governor of Edo. He took his oath of office in November after winning the governorship election in September.

Akpabio asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election to fill the seat.

“So in line with your letter and the Constitution, the seat of Edo central central senatorial district is hereby declared vacant,” the number three citizen said.

Earlier, Moro premised his request paragraph D of section 68 of the constitution.

“This vacancy has become necessary following Senator Monday Okpebholo’s inauguration as governor of Edo State, and in accordance with the Constitution, his seat is now deemed vacant, and we invite you to declare,” the senator said.

With the demise of Ifeanyi Uba, senator representing Anambra south, and vacant seat of Okpebholo, the upper legislative chamber has 107 senators out of 109.