The Edo State House of Assembly has removed Hon. Natasha Osawaru Irobosa from her position as Minority Leader, following a significant political realignment in the House on Monday.
The shake-up occurred after four lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), thereby handing the APC a new majority.
Osawaru, known not only for her political career but also for her association with popular musician 2Baba, was among several PDP lawmakers affected by the restructuring.
Charity Aiguobarueghian, the former Majority Leader, and Yekini Idaiye, the former Chief Whip, were also relieved of their positions.
Despite the leadership reshuffle, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku and Deputy Speaker Maria Edeko, both members of the PDP, retained their seats for the time being.
The shift in power was formalized following a letter from Jarret Tenebe, the acting chairman of the APC in Edo State, notifying the House of the defection of the lawmakers.
With its new majority, the APC wasted no time in filling key leadership roles:
- Jonathan Aigbokhan (Esan West) – Majority Leader
- Addeh Emakhu Isibor (Esan North-East I) – Deputy Leader
- Lecky Hussein Mustapha (Etsako West I) – Chief Whip
Speaker Agbebaku stated that the PDP is now expected to submit fresh nominations for its principal officer positions in the House. However, observers believe the current balance of power may place further pressure on the PDP leadership as the political dynamics continue to evolve.
