The Edo State House of Assembly has officially removed Hon. Natasha Osawaru Irobosa, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and partner of musician 2Baba Idibia, from her position as Deputy Leader.
The reshuffle, which took place on Monday, saw Blessing Agbebaku and Maria Edeko retain their positions as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, both of whom are members of the PDP.
According to DAILY POST, the retention of Agbebaku and Edeko followed the state leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) issuing a letter that outlined changes to the Assembly’s leadership.
Agbebaku, after reading the letter from Jarret Tenebe, acting APC state chairman, announced the reshuffling of the House’s principal officers.
As part of the changes, Charity Aiguobarueghian (PDP) of Ovia North-East I; Natasha Osawaru Irobosa (PDP) of Egor; and Yekini Idaiye (PDP) of Akoko-Edo I were removed from their roles as Majority Leader, Deputy Leader, and Chief Whip, respectively.
They were replaced by Ibhamawu Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC) from Esan West as Majority Leader; Addeh Emakhu Isibor (APC) from Esan North-East I as Deputy Leader; and Lecky Hussein Mustapha (APC) from Etsako West I as Chief Whip.
Additionally, the position of Deputy Chief Whip, previously held by Richard Edosa (PDP) of Oredo West, was abolished due to its non-existence within the legislature.
The letter, dated April 7, 2025, and titled Nomination of Principal Officers of the Edo State House of Assembly, was signed by Tenebe and Lawrence Okah, the APC state secretary.
The letter referenced a previous communication from March 14, 2025, which confirmed the APC’s majority status in the Assembly, and stated: “We hereby forward the party’s nominations for principal officers in the House.”
