Edo assembly candidate Apologizes Over Viral Video of Deputy Speaker Atu

Abudu, Edo – Festus Ese Omoruyi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Orhionmwon East in Edo State, has apologized to the people of Edo over what he described as a public embarrassment caused by the state’s Deputy Speaker, Osamwonyi Evbaguehita Atu.

Recalled that Atu temporarily took over the reins of the assembly before Yekini Idiaye, representing Akoko-Edo I Constituency emerged as the new Speaker shortly after the former Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, resigned his position.

In a statement sighted by DAILY South Nigeria titled “The Embarrassment Is Too Much,” Omoruyi said he was ashamed after watching a viral video showing the Deputy Speaker struggling to read a simple written text while briefly serving as Acting Speaker following the resignation of Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.

“Yesterday when the Deputy Speaker briefly assumed the role of Acting Speaker… the whole state watched. The video of his inability to read a simple written text has now gone viral. I watched it as a son of Orhionmwon East and I was ashamed,” he said.

Omoruyi, who aspires to represents Orhionmwon East constituency II in the state assembly criticized what he called years of politics that cover up inadequacies. He said party leaders often speak for candidates and later ask voters to “support our son.”

He argued that the All Progressives Congress (APC) should apologize for the embarrassment and insisted that Orhionmwon East deserves better representation—someone capable of reading bills, interrogating budgets, and defending constituents’ interests without handlers.

Omoruyi declared that he is stepping forward for the 2027 elections not because it is “his turn,” but because the constituency’s reputation is at stake.

He called on elders, youths, and market women to reject “the politics of proxy” and prioritize competence over cover-ups.

“Edo people, accept my apology for the embarrassment. Orhionmwon East, let’s rewrite this story together,” he concluded.