The Deputy Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Mrs. Maria Oligbi-Edeko, has officially resigned from her position. She announced her resignation during a plenary session in Benin City on Monday.

Oligbi-Edeko, who represented Esan North-East II, cited the minority status of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Assembly as the reason for her resignation. This shift occurred following the defection of several PDP members, including the speaker, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Elected as Deputy Speaker on June 16, 2023, Oligbi-Edeko expressed her resignation as a move to ensure justice, fairness, and equity for all constituencies. She thanked the PDP leaders and members for their trust in her representation.

Following her resignation, the Assembly unanimously elected Mr. Osamwonyi Atu from the APC (Orhionmwon East) as the new Deputy Speaker. The Majority Leader, Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan, proposed a motion to grant all entitlements due to Oligbi-Edeko, which received unanimous support from the members.

Lawmakers commended Oligbi-Edeko for her dedication and passion for public service during her tenure.