The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Maria Oligbi-Edeko (PDP Esan North East II), has voluntarily resigned from her position.
This development followed the Peoples Democratic Party becoming the minority in the State House of Assembly.
The outgoing Deputy Speaker cited her commitment to justice, fairness, and equity for all constituencies as the reason for her decision.
In a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC Esan West), and seconded by Charity Airobarueghian (PDP Ovia North East I), the House approved that all entitlements due to Mrs. Oligbi-Edeko be released.
Oligbi-Edeko was elected Deputy Speaker of the 8th Assembly on June 16, 2023.
Following her resignation, Mr. Osamwonyi Atu (APC Orhionmwon East) was unanimously elected by members of the Assembly as the new Deputy Speaker.
In May, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, along with two other members—Sunny Ifada (Esan Central Constituency) and Yekini Idaiye (Akoko Edo I Constituency)—defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress.