Honourable Natasha Osawaru Irobosa, the Edo State House of Assembly member representing Egor Constituency and wife of music icon Innocent “2Baba” Idibia, has been removed as Minority Leader following the Peoples Democratic Party’s loss of majority status in the Assembly.
Her removal was announced on Wednesday alongside that of Majority Leader Charity Aiguobarueghian, after four PDP lawmakers defected to the All Progressives Congress. Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, who read a letter from APC state acting chairman Jarret Tenebe, confirmed the changes during plenary. He said the defections had altered the House composition, prompting the reconstitution of principal officers.
Osawaru was replaced by Hon Ibhamawu Jonathan Aigbokhan of Esan West, APC, as Majority Leader, while Hon Addeh Emakhu Isibor and Hon Lecky Hussein Mustapha, both APC, were named Deputy Leader and Chief Whip respectively. Hon Yekini Idaiye, PDP, was also removed as Chief Whip. Speaker Agbebaku and Deputy Speaker Maria Edeko, both PDP members, retained their positions.
“Daily Trust reports that the changes were as a result letter to the assembly by the state acting All Progressives Congress (APC)’s chairman, Jarret Tenebe following the PDP losing majority status in the assembly as a result of the defection of four of its lawmakers to the APC,” Agbebaku said. He added that PDP leadership in the state would submit its list of nominees for minority positions.
Osawaru, who gained public attention after her marriage to 2Baba earlier this year, has not issued a statement on her removal. The lawmaker was recently summoned by the House Ethics and Privileges Committee over videos showing heated exchanges with her husband during an Instagram Live session, with the committee expected to submit findings within two weeks.
The development comes as the PDP in Edo State grapples with internal shifts ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several members moving to the ruling APC.
