The Edo State House of Assembly witnessed a significant shift in power dynamics on Monday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) officially assumed the majority status, leading to the appointment of Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC–Esan West) as the new Majority Leader.
This development follows a series of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) that ultimately swung the balance of power in favor of the APC.
News of the leadership change was first signaled in March when the APC formally notified the Assembly of its newfound majority and its intention to propose changes to the House leadership. The APC now controls 13 seats in the Assembly after four lawmakers crossed the aisle from the PDP and LP, leaving the PDP with 11.
During Monday’s plenary session in Benin City, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, officially announced the new appointments, reading aloud a letter from the APC leadership detailing their nominees for key principal officer positions.
The announced appointments included Hon. Aigbokhan as Majority Leader, Hon. Addeh Isibor as Deputy Majority Leader, and Hon. Mustapha Lecky as Chief Whip.
A noteworthy detail arising from the restructuring was the withdrawal of the Deputy Chief Whip position, initially designated for Hon. Richard Edosa (APC-Oredo West). Edosa, who previously represented the Labour Party as its sole member before defecting to the APC, saw his assigned position deemed unrecognized by the House.
Despite the APC’s ascendance to the majority, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions remain held by members of the minority PDP.
Following the announcement of the APC leadership appointments, Speaker Agbebaku confirmed that the PDP would also be submitting its list of principal officers. He stressed the importance of unity and collaboration, reminding members that partisan divisions should not impede their ability to effectively serve the people of Edo State.
“What matters is that we all work together to ensure the success of Gov. Monday Okpebholo,” Agbebaku stated, emphasizing the need for a unified front in supporting the governor’s agenda and furthering the interests of the state. The new leadership structure is expected to impact the legislative agenda and committee assignments in the coming months.
