Natasha Osawaru, Innocent Idibia, better known as Tuface fiancee lost her Deputy Majority Leader’ seat when the Principal officers of Edo State House of Assembly were reshuffled on Monday.
In the Peoples Democratic Party Legislator’s stead, representing Egor Constituency, Addeh Isibor was appointed as Deputy Majority Leader, while Mustapha Lecky emerged as the Chief Whip during the plenary.
Besides, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Charity Aiguobarueghian (PDP) also lost his seat to Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC–Esan West) Constituency in the 24-member Assembly after the defection of four Assembly members elected on the Peoples Democratic to All Progressives Congress in March 2025.
The lawmakers — Donald Okugbe (Akoko Edo Constituency II), Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon South Constituency II), Richard Edosa (Oredo West Constituency), and Sunday Ojezele (Esan South East) Constituencies defection increased APC seats to 13 seats and reduced PDP and the Labour Party to 11 and one respectively.
After the defection of the four lawmakers, the APC had in March notified the House of its majority status and stated that it would at a later date effect changes in the leadership of the House.
But, the leadership change, did not affect the elected Peoples Democratic Party Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku and the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Maria Edeko.
During the sitting in Benin City, the Speaker of the Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, read a letter from the APC leadership nominating new Principal officers.
Aigbokhan was appointed as the new Majority Leader, Addeh Isibor as Deputy Majority Leader, and Mustapha Lecky as Chief Whip, according to the letter.
Similarly, the position of Deputy Chief Whip, initially assigned to Richard Edosa (APC-Oredo West), was withdrawn as the House does not recognise such a position. Edosa, formerly the sole LP lawmaker, recently defected to the APC.
Following the announcement of the new leadership, Speaker Agbebaku disclosed that the PDP would also submit its list of Principal officers.
He clarified that the distinction between majority and minority should not distract from the House’s collective responsibility to serve the State.
“What matters is that we all work together to ensure the success of Governor Monday Okpebholo,” the Assembly Speaker said.
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