 |
| Oligbi-Edeko announcing her resignation in Assembly chamber. |
On Monday, May 19, 2025, Mrs. Maria Omezele Oligbi-Edeko stunned colleagues. She rose in Benin City’s Assembly chamber. Then she announced her resignation as Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly. Her decision came moments after defections drained her party’s numbers, shifting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into a minority.
Mrs. Oligbi-Edeko has served Esan North-East II since her election on June 16, 2023. She won her deputy speakership by unanimous vote that same day. Now, two years later, she chose to step aside “to allow justice, fairness, and equity for all constituencies,” she said in her resignation letter.
Recent weeks saw a wave of defections. Key PDP members, including the Speaker, crossed to the All Progressives Congress (APC). That move snatched the Assembly majority away. With 24 seats total, the PDP once held 15. Today, it stands at just six. The APC now commands 18 seats.
Analysts say these shifts reflect deeper currents in Edo politics. Dr. Funke Adeola, a political scientist at the University of Benin, notes that incumbents often defect to match the federal ruling party’s power. “They seek access to resources. They follow a survival instinct,” she says.
Within minutes of her resignation, lawmakers moved to elect a replacement. Hon. Osamwonyi Atu (APC-Orhionmwon East) won unanimously. The Majority Leader, Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC-Esan West), proposed that Oligbi-Edeko retain all entitlements due a former Deputy Speaker. Minority Leader Charity Airobarueghian (PDP-Ovia North-East I) seconded the motion. Members adopted it by voice vote.
Lawmakers praised Mrs. Oligbi-Edeko’s tenure. They lauded her integrity, dedication, and passion. Many described her as a trailblazer for women in Edo politics. “She led with fairness,” said Hon. Aigbokhan. “Her resignation shows her true character.”
In her letter, Mrs. Oligbi-Edeko wrote that she wished to create space for fresh leadership. She felt the Assembly’s balance had shifted too far to allow equal voice for all districts. “I step down so justice and equity may guide this House,” she said.
Some insiders hint at deeper reasons. Sources close to the PDP suggest pressure from senior party figures. They feared legal challenges over the Assembly’s quorum and legitimacy after the defections. Others say Mrs. Oligbi-Edeko saw the writing on the wall—her influence would wane in a body dominated by the APC.
In Uromi, Esan North-East II’s main town, reactions split along party lines. PDP loyalists mourned her exit. “She gave us hope,” said Mrs. Esther Iheanacho, a teacher. “Her voice was strong for our needs.” APC supporters, however, hailed her choice as noble. “She set a good example,” said Mr. Emeka Ovia. “She put fairness above politics.”
Prof. Michael Okoro, head of the Edo Institute for Governance, sees both gains and risks. “A clear majority can speed legislation,” he notes. But he warns: “Too much dominance may silence the minority and weaken debate.” He urges the new leadership to engage all members.
With the APC now holding 18 seats, it will control committee assignments and legislative agendas. Key bills on education and healthcare, stalled for months, may now advance. The PDP, though smaller, retains the right to question and review. “A healthy Assembly needs both sides,” Prof. Okoro adds.
Mrs. Oligbi-Edeko’s move underscores a key democratic value: the welfare of constituents over party games. Her resignation may prompt other lawmakers to reflect on their roles. Will they cling to power? Or yield for the greater good? Edo citizens will watch closely.