Edo Assembly deputy Speaker steps down

Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Maria Oligbi-Edeko, has officially resigned from her position as political shifts continue to reshape the makeup of the state legislature.

Oligbi-Edeko, who represents Esan North-East II Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), announced her resignation during plenary on Monday in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Her decision comes in the wake of a wave of defections from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) — a move that has left the PDP in the minority within the Assembly.

Following her announcement, the House unanimously elected Hon. Osamwonyi Atu, an APC lawmaker representing Orhionmwon East, as the new Deputy Speaker.

In a gesture of appreciation, the Majority Leader, Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan, moved a motion urging the Assembly to ensure that all entitlements and privileges attached to the office of the Deputy Speaker be granted to Oligbi-Edeko. The motion, seconded by Minority Leader Hon. Charity Airobarueghian, received unanimous support from the chamber.

In her resignation letter, Oligbi-Edeko explained that her decision was driven by her commitment to justice, fairness, and equity across all constituencies in the state. She also expressed deep gratitude to the PDP leadership and members for trusting her with the opportunity to serve.

Members of the House praised her dedication, describing her as a passionate and principled public servant who brought integrity to the legislature.