Natasha Osawaru, the lawmaker representing Egor Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, has been appointed as the new Minority Leader of the House.
Her appointment was announced during plenary on Monday, following a change in the principal officers of the Assembly that has reshaped the leadership structure of the legislative house and signaled a new phase in its operations.
The leadership reorganization came after Blessing Agbebaku stepped down as Speaker of the House. Agbebaku was succeeded by Yekini Idaiye, who represents Akoko Edo II Constituency and was immediately sworn in to preside over legislative activities and maintain order in the chamber.
Osawaru is a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Before her current appointment, she served as the Deputy Majority Leader of the Assembly, a position that gave her significant experience in legislative coordination and party management within the House and prepared her for higher responsibilities.
Her elevation to Minority Leader comes at a time when the Assembly is undergoing significant political realignment following recent defections and changes in party strength. The position is considered strategic for maintaining balance and ensuring effective representation of opposition voices in legislative deliberations and debates.
In a statement shared on her official Facebook page after the announcement, Osawaru said she views the new role as a call to service rather than a personal achievement. She expressed gratitude to her colleagues for the confidence reposed in her and promised to justify the trust.
According to her, the position is a responsibility entrusted to her by her colleagues and constituents, and she intends to discharge it with dedication, transparency and commitment to the ideals of democratic governance.
"This new responsibility is not a title; it is a trust," she stated. "Our democracy thrives on rigorous debate, accountability, and the courage to advocate for the ordinary citizen without compromise."
She also reaffirmed her commitment to serving her constituency and contributing to the growth of the state, noting that her focus will remain on people-oriented legislation and effective oversight of executive activities.
"As Minority Leader, my commitment to the development of Edo State, the progress of our great party, the NDC, and the prosperity of the good people of Egor remains absolute," she added.
Her colleagues described her elevation as a reflection of confidence in her leadership capacity, citing her previous experience as Deputy Majority Leader and her approach to legislative duties which has been marked by consistency and engagement with critical issues.
The Assembly leadership said the new arrangement is expected to promote stability and foster cooperation among members regardless of party affiliation, while ensuring that the interests of all constituencies are adequately represented in the House for the benefit of Edo people.
