
https://shegze.com/article/285/Power-Play-in-Edo:-2Face/'s-Lover,-Natasha-Osawaru,-Ousted-from-Assembly-Leadership
In a dramatic twist that has stirred the political waters of Edo State, the House of Assembly has removed Hon. Natasha Osawaru Irobosa—widely known not only as a vocal lawmaker under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but also as the romantic partner of Nigerian music legend, Innocent "2Face" Idibia—from her powerful role as Minority Leader. The unexpected political shake-up took place amid a broader leadership reshuffle that has now thrown the PDP into a defensive corner.
The decision, announced on the floor of the Edo Assembly, did not only affect Natasha Osawaru. Two other high-profile PDP lawmakers—Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, formerly the Majority Leader, and Hon. Yekini Idaiye, the Chief Whip—were also removed from their leadership positions, sending ripples across the political landscape of the state. With Natasha's exit, it’s not just a leadership vacuum that’s being created in the minority caucus; it also signals a deeper internal crisis brewing within the PDP at the state level.
While the political drama continues to unfold, some PDP loyalists see the removal of Natasha Osawaru as a calculated move to sideline influential figures in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. Her close ties with one of Nigeria’s most recognized entertainers, 2Face, had often put her in the spotlight, bringing an extra layer of public attention to her political activities. This connection has now turned into a hot topic on social media, with fans and critics of both politics and entertainment weighing in.
Despite the sweeping changes, not all PDP members lost out in the leadership shuffle. Speaker Hon. Blessing Agbebaku and Deputy Speaker Hon. Maria Edeko—both members of the PDP—managed to retain their positions, signaling that while the party has lost its majority status, it is not entirely out of the game. However, their continued leadership in the Assembly has sparked speculation of behind-the-scenes agreements between factions in a bid to stabilize the House and prevent total chaos.
The leadership reshuffle comes on the heels of a significant political realignment in the Edo Assembly, where four PDP lawmakers recently defected to the rival All Progressives Congress (APC). The defections effectively stripped the PDP of its legislative dominance and handed the APC the upper hand, prompting the wave of new appointments. In swift succession, Hon. Ibhamawu Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC – Esan West) was declared the new Majority Leader. He is joined by Hon. Addeh Emakhu Isibor (APC – Esan North-East I) as Deputy Majority Leader and Hon. Lecky Hussein Mustapha (APC – Etsako West I) as the new Chief Whip.
These developments have ignited a flurry of strategic maneuvering within the PDP, as the party scrambles to nominate new principal officers to counterbalance the sudden power shift. The Speaker, Hon. Agbebaku, maintained that the reshuffle was a response to the new political realities in the House, while also confirming that the leadership of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker remains untouched.
Observers say the removal of Natasha Osawaru marks the beginning of a new era of intensified power struggles in the Edo State Assembly. Already known for her charismatic presence and vocal advocacy on issues ranging from women’s empowerment to youth development, Natasha’s removal has raised questions about whether her visibility and growing influence were perceived as a threat by political rivals—even within her own party.
Social media has since erupted with mixed reactions. Some users applauded the decision as a necessary step for legislative order following the party defections. Others expressed disappointment, pointing out that Natasha’s leadership brought vibrancy and a modern touch to the Assembly’s proceedings. A few conspiracy theories even suggest that her romantic relationship with 2Face Idibia may have drawn too much public interest, ultimately becoming a liability in the cutthroat world of politics.
As political pundits analyze the implications of these moves, it remains to be seen how Natasha Osawaru herself will respond. So far, she has maintained silence, offering no public statement since her removal was announced. However, sources close to the lawmaker hint that she may soon break her silence and possibly contest the decision internally, depending on the party's next steps.
Meanwhile, the PDP’s internal structure appears to be under pressure. With key figures removed and others defecting, the party’s stronghold in the state legislature is visibly weakening. Analysts warn that without a strategic comeback, the PDP could continue to lose ground not just in Edo, but across other politically volatile states in Nigeria.
In a country where entertainment and politics often intersect, Natasha Osawaru’s fall from legislative leadership will likely be remembered as more than just another political shuffle. It represents the fragile balance between popularity and power, and the risks faced by those who straddle the line between fame and governance.
For now, the Edo Assembly moves on with new leaders at the helm, while the PDP licks its wounds and recalibrates. All eyes remain on Natasha—will she fade into political obscurity or rise again, stronger and more determined? Only time will tell. One thing is certain: the corridors of the Edo State House of Assembly will never be the same again.