The Deputy Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Mrs. Maria Oligbi-Edeko, has resigned her position effective Monday, May 19, 2025, citing the minority status of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Assembly.
Her resignation follows the defection of PDP members, including the speaker, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), which now holds a majority.
In her resignation letter, Oligbi-Edeko stated that she stepped down to allow for justice, fairness, and equity for all constituencies, expressing gratitude to the PDP leaders and members for finding her worthy to represent her constituency.
Following her resignation, the House unanimously elected Mr. Osamwonyi Atu, representing Orhionmwon East Constituency under the APC, as the new Deputy Speaker.
Additionally, Majority Leader Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan moved a motion to accord Oligbi-Edeko all entitlements due to her former office, which was seconded by Minority Leader Hon. Charity Airobarueghian and adopted by members.
Oligbi-Edeko was elected Deputy Speaker of the 8th Assembly on June 16, 2023, and served until her resignation.
