From Moshood Karim
The political dynamics within the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) shifted significantly on Monday as Hon. Natasha Osawaru, erstwhile Deputy Majority Leader, was removed from her position following a realignment of party strengths in the chamber.
This comes after the All Progressives Congress (APC) gained a clear majority in the 24-member Assembly, securing 13 seats after four lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP). The PDP now holds 11 seats, losing its previous numerical advantage.
In line with its new standing, the APC formally communicated its intent to restructure leadership positions in the House back in March. During Monday’s plenary session, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, read out a communiqué from the APC leadership, which confirmed Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC–Esan West) as the newly elected Majority Leader.
Also announced were Hon. Addeh Isibor as the new Deputy Majority Leader and Hon. Mustapha Lecky as Chief Whip, marking a comprehensive leadership overhaul within the majority bloc. However, a proposed appointment of Hon. Richard Edosa (APC–Oredo West) as Deputy Chief Whip was withdrawn, as the Assembly does not officially recognise the position. Edosa had recently defected from the LP to the APC, contributing to the party’s ascendancy.
The change in leadership displaces Hon. Natasha Osawaru, a PDP lawmaker whose tenure as Deputy Majority Leader was abruptly cut short due to the shifting political balance. Her removal comes amid heightened public interest, as she has recently drawn attention for her reported relationship with Nigerian music icon, Innocent ‘2Baba’ Idibia.
Despite the APC’s newfound dominance, both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly remain members of the PDP, creating a rare dual-party leadership structure. This unusual configuration is expected to influence legislative proceedings in the coming months.
Speaking at the session, Speaker Agbebaku urged unity among lawmakers and called on the PDP to submit its new list of principal officers for formal recognition.
“Our focus must remain on working together for the progress of Edo State and supporting the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo,” he stated, appealing for bipartisan cooperation in the interest of governance and development.
The new leadership composition is seen as a strategic move by the APC to consolidate control ahead of the upcoming legislative agenda and possible realignment at the executive level.
Observers say that while the PDP retains a strong presence, the APC’s majority status could prove pivotal in shaping the legislative direction of the Assembly in the months ahead.
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