In a notable move within the Ondo State House of Assembly, the Deputy Speaker, Abayomi Akinruntan, has resigned from his position, citing the need to align with established political power-sharing arrangements in the state. Akinruntan, who represents Ilaje Constituency 1 and is the son of the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, officially tendered his resignation during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The Clerk of the House, Benjamin Jayeiola, read out Akinruntan’s resignation letter, in which he stated: “I hereby tender my resignation from the office of the Deputy Speaker effective from today, 2nd June, 2025. Recall the House was inaugurated June, 2023 and I was unanimously elected as Deputy Speaker by members as stipulated in our standing order. My resignation is borne out of the need to align with the conventional arrangement in power sharing of elective positions in the state. I want to appreciate all members and staff for their contributions and support.”
Following this, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, who represents Owo Constituency 1, also stepped down from his leadership role. Both members belong to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In the wake of these resignations, Ololade Gbegudu, representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, was nominated and sworn in as the new Deputy Speaker, pledging to “serve in this new role with due diligence.” Meanwhile, Olatunji Oshati from Ose Constituency was appointed the new Majority Leader. Other leadership appointments include Muritala Sulaiman from Akoko South East as Chief Whip, and Fabiyi Olatunji of Odigbo Constituency 1 as Whip of the Assembly.
Speaker Olamide Oladiji commended the outgoing leaders, saying of Akinruntan: “He has been a peaceful ally. He has supported the house. I want to appreciate him for the maturity displayed for ensuring a peaceful transition.” He also praised the former Majority Leader, describing him as “a stabilizer in the House and also a good and dependable ally.”
It was understood that the reshuffling of the principal officers’ positions was necessary to maintain balance in the informal power-sharing arrangements within the state. Both Deputy Speaker Abayomi Akinruntan and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa represent Ilaje Local Government Area, while the former Majority Leader, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, represents Owo Local Government Area, which is also the home of Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami.
