KEY POINTS

• Maria Oligbi-Edeko resigned as Edo State Deputy Speaker after the PDP lost its legislative majority due to defections to the APC.

• Osamwonyi Atu of the APC was unanimously elected as her replacement, solidifying the party’s control of the Assembly.

• Oligbi-Edeko’s resignation was praised for upholding democratic values, and she is expected to continue serving as a constituency representative.

Political shifts continue to reshape the Edo State House of Assembly as Deputy Speaker Maria Oligbi-Edeko resigned from her position on Monday, May 19, 2025.

Her decision follows a significant realignment of legislative power, with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) losing its majority after a wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oligbi-Edeko’s resignation, confirmed in a letter tendered to the House leadership, cited her commitment to democratic values and equitable representation across party lines.

AAN TV reports that the departure marks the end of her tenure as the second-highest-ranking official in the 8th Assembly, a position she held since June 2023.

“I am stepping down to allow for justice, fairness, and equity for all constituencies,” her resignation letter read. “I remain grateful to the PDP for the opportunity to serve and to my constituents for their unwavering support.”

Osamwonyi Atu elected Deputy Speaker

Following her exit, the House moved swiftly to fill the vacancy. In a unanimous vote, Osamwonyi Atu, who represents Orhionmwon East Constituency under the APC, was elected as the new Deputy Speaker. His elevation further cements the APC’s dominance in the Assembly after a series of strategic defections from the PDP, including that of the Speaker himself.

The realignment has created a new legislative dynamic in Edo State, with the APC now firmly in control of the House’s leadership and agenda-setting powers. Analysts say this could have wide-ranging implications for state policy direction, budget appropriations, and upcoming electoral strategies.

In a show of bipartisan unity, Majority Leader Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan moved a motion recognizing Oligbi-Edeko’s service and recommending that she receive all entitlements due to her former office. “Her time in leadership was marked by dedication and dignity,” Aigbokhan stated. The motion was seconded by Minority Leader Hon. Charity Airobarueghian and adopted without objection by the House.

Maria Oligbi-Edeko’s political career began as a grassroots advocate for women’s participation in governance and legal reform. Before ascending to the Deputy Speaker role, she served on several legislative committees, championing education, social justice, and gender equality. Her supporters have praised her as a principled leader who chose integrity over political expediency.

“This resignation is not a retreat but a reaffirmation of democratic ethics,” said Dr. Chike Ogbeide, a political analyst at the University of Benin. “It signals a healthy, if painful, evolution in our multiparty system.”

The PDP, once dominant in Edo State politics, now faces internal restructuring and the urgent need to rebuild its influence ahead of future elections. Meanwhile, the APC appears poised to steer legislative priorities, with expectations high for how it will manage key governance issues amid growing economic and social pressures in the state.

Oligbi-Edeko has not announced any future political plans but remains a member of the Assembly representing her constituency. Observers say she may continue to play an influential role in opposition strategy and legislative debate.