The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mrs Maria Omezele Oligbi-Edeko, has resigned her position.
Oligbi-Edeko (representing Esan North-East II), announced her resignation during the plenary in Benin City, the state capital, on Monday, May 19, 2025.
Edeko’s resignation followed the minority status of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Assembly occasioned by the defection of PDP members, including the speaker, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Hon. Oligbi-Edeko was on June 16, 2023, elected Deputy Speaker of the 8th Assembly until her resignation.
The House thereafter elected Mr Osamwonyi Atu (APC Orhionmwon East) as the new deputy speaker after members unanimously voted.
Meanwhile, the Majority Leader, Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan, moved a motion that all entitlements due to the office of the Deputy Speaker should be accorded to Oligbi-Edeko.
The motion was seconded by the minority leader, Hon Charity Airobarueghian, and was unanimously adopted in a voice vote by members.
In her resignation letter to the House, Oligbi-Edeko said her resignation was to allow justice, fairness, and equity for all the constituencies.
She, however, commended the leaders and members of the PDP for finding her worthy to represent her constituency in the assembly.
The lawmakers commended her unwavering dedication and passion for public service.