The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mrs Maria Oligbi-Edeko of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Esan North-East II, yesterday, voluntarily resigned her position due to the minority status of the PDP in the Assembly.
Mr Osamwonyi Atu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Orhionmwon East, however, emerged as the new Deputy Speaker after members unanimously voted.
Following Oligbi-Edeko’s resignation, the Majority Leader, Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC-Esan West), moved that all entitlements due to the office of the Deputy Speaker should be accorded to her.
The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Charity Airobarueghian (PDP Ovia North East 1). In a voice vote, other lawmakers supported and adopted the motion.
In her resignation speech, Oligbi-Edeko said she resigned her position to allow for justice, fairness, and equity for all the constituencies. She thanked the leaders and members of the PDP for finding her worthy to represent her constituency in the assembly.
Many of the lawmakers described her as a committed leader whose contributions left a lasting impact on the legislative process during her tenure as Deputy Speaker.
Oligbi-Edeko was elected Deputy Speaker of the 8th Assembly on June 16, 2023, and served in that capacity until her resignation.