In a significant political realignment within the Edo State House of Assembly, Natasha Osawaru, the lawmaker representing Egor Constituency and a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been removed from her position as Minority Leader. The ouster comes amid a dramatic shift in party dynamics following the defection of four PDP legislators to the All Progressives Congress (APC), handing the latter a majority in the chamber.

Osawaru, who has been under public scrutiny following her widely publicized relationship with music icon 2Face Idibia, was removed alongside Charity Aiguobarueghian, the former Majority Leader, and Yekini Idaiye, who served as Chief Whip. The reshuffle reflects a broader recalibration of leadership roles within the House, as the APC solidifies its newfound legislative advantage.

Despite the internal shake-up, PDP stalwarts Blessing Agbebaku and Maria Edeko have retained their posts as Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively. However, Agbebaku acknowledged the fluidity of the situation, stating that their positions may be reviewed in light of the Assembly’s evolving power structure.

The leadership overhaul was triggered by a formal letter from Jarret Tenebe, acting chairman of the APC in Edo, informing the House of the party’s new majority status. In response, the Speaker announced the appointment of new APC-aligned principal officers, including Ibhamawu Aigbokhan (Majority Leader, Esan West), Addeh Isibor (Deputy Leader, Esan North-East I), and Lecky Hussein Mustapha (Chief Whip, Etsako West I).

Agbebaku indicated that the PDP leadership is expected to nominate replacements for the now-vacant minority leadership positions.

Osawaru’s political trajectory has attracted heightened public interest in recent months, particularly after 2Face Idibia publicly confirmed their engagement following his separation from actress Annie Idibia earlier this year.

Analysts say the sudden leadership changes underscore deeper tensions within the state’s political framework and raise concerns among civil society organizations about party loyalty, gender equity in governance, and the impact of personal lives on public service.