Edeko, Edo Assembly’s deputy speaker, resigns

…replaced by Atu

Maria Edeko, the Deputy Speaker of the Edo State Assembly on Monday voluntarily resigned her position following the attainment of majority status of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Assembly.

Edeko, representing Esan North- East II was elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

She was elected Deputy Speaker of the 8th Assembly on June 16, 2023, and served in that capacity until Monday, May 19, 2025 when she resigned.

Following Maria Edeko’s resignation, the House, however, resolved to continue to accord her all the entitlements accrued to her former office.

The resolution was a sequel to a motion moved by Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC), representing Esan West constituency.

Aigbokhan, who is the Majority Leader of the House, said the resolution was in appreciation of her contributions and innovation to legislation.

The motion was seconded by the minority leader Charity Airobarueghian (PDP Ovia North East 1).

Osamwonyi Atu (APC) representing Orhionmwon I, however, emerged the new deputy speaker after members unanimously voted.

He was nominated by Yekini Idaiye (APC), representing Akoko-Edo I and seconded by Osamwonyi Kaycee (APC) representing Uhunmwonde Constituency.

In her resignation speech, Maria Edeko said she resigned her position to allow for justice, fairness, and equity for all the Constituencies .

She thanked the leaders and members of the PDP for finding her worthy to represent her Constituency in the Assembly.

Lawmakers in the House took turns to shower accolades on the immediate past deputy speaker following the announcement of her resignation.

They praised her unwavering dedication, passion for public service, and the high level of integrity she consistently demonstrated throughout her tenure.

The lawmakers described her as a committed leader whose contributions left a lasting impact on the legislative process during her tenure as deputy speaker.

“Today, we are at a crossroads in the political history of Edo State and in Nigeria. In my honour, for integrity, the protection of our democracy, equitable power sharing between the Constituent Senatorial Districts that make up Edo State.

“After due consultation with my Constituency, I hereby voluntarily resign with great humility from the Office of the Deputy Speaker that you graciously elected me into.

“It is my hope that this will engender peace, peaceful co-existence in the state and strengthen governance and democracy in Edo State and Nigeria in general”, she said.

While apologising to those that she might have offended in the course of the discharge of her duties, she, however, thanked the leadership of PDP for finding her worthy to be elected as the Deputy Speaker of the House.