Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mrs Maria Oligbi-Edeko, has stepped down from her position following her party’s loss of majority.
Oligbi-Edeko, who represents Esan North-East II, on Monday, May 19, announced her resignation during plenary session in Benin City.
Her decision came after a wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), including the defection of the Speaker.
In her resignation letter to the House, she stated, “My resignation is to allow justice, fairness, and equity for all the constituencies.”
The House immediately elected Mr Osamwonyi Atu, member representing Orhionmwon East under the APC, as the new Deputy Speaker after a unanimous vote.
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Oligbi-Edeko, who was elected Deputy Speaker on June 16, 2023, thanked PDP leaders and colleagues for the opportunity to serve.
“I commend the leaders and members of the PDP for finding me worthy to represent my constituency in the Assembly,” she said.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan, moved a motion that Oligbi-Edeko should receive all entitlements due to the office of Deputy Speaker.
The motion, seconded by Minority Leader Hon. Charity Airobarueghian, was unanimously adopted by the House.
Fellow lawmakers praised her dedication and commitment to public service.