Natasha Osawaru Emerges Minority Leader of Edo Assembly as House Unveils New Leadership
Natasha Osawaru, the lawmaker representing Egor Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, has emerged as the new Minority Leader following a major reshuffle of the Assembly’s principal officers.
Osawaru’s new position was announced during plenary on Monday as lawmakers moved to reorganise the leadership of the eighth Assembly.
The development came shortly after Blessing Agbebaku resigned as Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly amid reported moves by lawmakers to remove him from office. Yekini Idiaye, representing Akoko Edo Constituency I, was subsequently elected and sworn in as the new Speaker.
Natasha Osawaru Takes on New Leadership Role
Osawaru’s emergence as Minority Leader marks another step in her political career. Before the latest reshuffle, she served as Deputy Majority Leader.
The lawmaker is now expected to play a prominent role in the minority caucus as the Assembly begins work under its new leadership structure.
Her appointment followed a nomination from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), with the House approving the change during the same sitting in which other principal officers were reshuffled.
Reacting to the development, Osawaru described the new responsibility as more than a political position, stressing the importance of accountability, representation and service to the people.
She also reaffirmed her commitment to the development of Edo State and the interests of residents of Egor Constituency.
Edo Assembly Gets New Speaker After Agbebaku’s Exit
The leadership changes followed the resignation of Blessing Agbebaku as Speaker on Monday, August 17.
Agbebaku’s media aide confirmed his resignation, while reports linked his departure to renewed moves by lawmakers to impeach him. The former Speaker had led the eighth Assembly since June 2023.
Following his exit, lawmakers elected Yekini Idiaye as Speaker. The new Speaker was subsequently sworn into office, completing the immediate transition at the top of the state legislature.
Other leadership positions were also affected, with Sunday Ojiezele emerging as Majority Leader and Ojie Inegbebor taking the position of Deputy Majority Leader. Osawaru’s appointment completed the reshuffle of the Assembly’s key leadership positions.
What Natasha Osawaru’s New Position Means
As Minority Leader, Osawaru will become one of the key voices in the Edo Assembly, particularly on matters involving legislative scrutiny, accountability and the interests of the minority caucus.
Her emergence comes at a significant moment for the state legislature, which is now operating under a fresh leadership arrangement following Agbebaku’s sudden resignation.
For Osawaru, the appointment places greater responsibility on her shoulders as she takes on a more influential role in Edo State politics while continuing to represent the people of Egor.
