BENIN CITY, Nigeria — Natasha Osawaru, the lawmaker representing Egor Constituency and wife of Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia (popularly known as 2Baba), has been appointed Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly.
The announcement was made during a plenary session on Monday, August 17, 2026, as part of a major leadership reshuffle that followed the resignation of former Speaker Blessing Agbebaku.
Osawaru, who is a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), was nominated by her party and approved by the House. She succeeds Charity Iguodala (also referred to as Charity Aiguobarueghian) of Ovia North-East I Constituency. The development came alongside other principal officer changes, including the election of Yekini Idiaye as the new Speaker.
In a statement shared on her Facebook page after the appointment, Osawaru described the role as a significant responsibility. “This new responsibility is not a title; it is a trust. Our democracy thrives on rigorous debate, accountability, and the courage to advocate for the ordinary citizen without compromise,” she said.
Osawaru was first elected to the Eighth Edo State House of Assembly in 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She later defected to the NDC in May 2026. She had previously held positions including Deputy Majority Leader earlier in the assembly’s tenure.
The lawmaker rose to national prominence through her relationship with 2Baba. The singer publicly confirmed their romance in early 2025 following his separation from actress Annie Idibia. The couple later formalised their union. Osawaru has continued her legislative duties while balancing public attention surrounding her personal life.
Her elevation to Minority Leader occurs at a time of significant political realignment in the Edo Assembly, which has seen multiple defections and leadership transitions since the inauguration of the current house. The NDC’s nomination of Osawaru for the minority position was among the matters considered and approved during Monday’s brief plenary.
As Minority Leader, Osawaru will be responsible for coordinating the opposition caucus, leading debates on key issues, and ensuring minority voices are represented in legislative proceedings. The appointment marks a notable return to a principal leadership role for the Egor representative.
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