The Edo State House of Assembly witnessed a leadership shake-up on Monday as Deputy Speaker Maria Oligbi-Edeko tendered her resignation during a session in Benin City.
Her departure follows the recent wave of defections from the PDP to the APC, which left the PDP as the minority party in the House.
Among the defectors was the Speaker, further tipping the balance in APC’s favor. Oligbi-Edeko had served as Deputy Speaker since June 2023, representing the Esan North-East II constituency.
In response to her resignation, the House unanimously appointed APC lawmaker Osamwonyi Atu from Orhionmwon East as her replacement.
House Majority Leader Jonathan Aigbokhan proposed that Oligbi-Edeko be granted all benefits due to her former office, a motion that was seconded by Minority Leader Charity Airobarueghian and agreed to by all present.
In her resignation statement, Oligbi-Edeko cited her commitment to fairness and equitable representation as the reason behind her decision.
She acknowledged the PDP’s trust in her and was commended by fellow legislators for her integrity and commitment to public service.