Ondo Assembly Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader Resign in Power-Sharing Realignment

The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, has resigned from his position, citing the need to align with the state’s conventional power-sharing arrangement among political offices.

Akinruntan, who represents Ilaje Constituency 1 and is the son of the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, tendered his resignation in a letter read during plenary by the Clerk of the House, Benjamin Jayeiola. Though absent at the session, Akinruntan’s letter was accepted and acknowledged by the House.

“I hereby tender my resignation from the office of the Deputy Speaker effective from today, 2nd June 2025. My resignation is borne out of the need to align with the conventional arrangement in power sharing of elective positions in the state,” the letter read in part.

Akinruntan was unanimously elected as Deputy Speaker in June 2023.

Following his resignation, Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, was nominated by Hon. Oluwatoyin Japheth (Akoko North East) and seconded by Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa (Okitipupa Constituency 1). Gbegudu’s nomination went unopposed, and he was immediately sworn in as the new Deputy Speaker, pledging to serve with diligence and commitment.

In a related development, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, also stepped down from his position. He was succeeded by Hon. Olatunji Oshati, representing Ose Constituency.

Additional leadership changes include:

• Chief Whip: Hon. Muritala Sulaiman (Akoko South East)

• Whip: Hon. Fabiyi Olatunji (Odigbo Constituency 1)

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, commended both the former Deputy Speaker and Majority Leader for their maturity and peaceful approach to the leadership transition.

“He [Akinruntan] has been a peaceful ally and has supported the House. I appreciate him for the maturity he showed in ensuring a smooth transition,” Oladiji said. He described Ogunmolasuyi as a stabilizer and dependable colleague during his time as Majority Leader.

The shake-up in the House’s leadership was reportedly necessary to maintain the unwritten power-sharing balance in the state. Akinruntan and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa are both from Ilaje Local Government Area, while Ogunmolasuyi and Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami hail from Owo Local Government Area.

The restructuring aims to foster equity, balance, and continued unity within the state’s political framework.