The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Abayomi Akinruntan, has resigned from his position, citing the need to respect the state’s informal power-sharing arrangement. Akinruntan, who represents Ilaje Constituency 1, announced his resignation during the House’s plenary session on Tuesday.
In his resignation letter dated June 2, 2025, Akinruntan wrote:
“My resignation is borne out of the need to align with the conventional arrangement in power-sharing of elective positions in the state. I appreciate all members and staff for their contributions and support since I was elected Deputy Speaker in June 2023.”
Following his resignation, Ololade Gbegudu, representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, was unanimously elected as the new Deputy Speaker. His nomination by Oluwatoyin Japheth (Akoko North East) and secondment by Chris Ayebusiwa (Okitipupa Constituency 1) was uncontested. Gbegudu was immediately sworn in and pledged to serve with diligence and commitment.
In a similar development, Majority Leader Emmanuel Ogunmolasuyi, who represents Owo Constituency 1, also stepped down. He was replaced by Olatunji Oshati of Ose Constituency.
Additionally, other principal officers were reshuffled:
- Muritala Sulaiman (Akoko South East) was named the new Chief Whip
- Fabiyi Olatunji (Odigbo Constituency 1) became the Whip of the Assembly
Speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji, praised the outgoing officers for their maturity and contributions to legislative stability.
“Hon. Akinruntan has been a peaceful and supportive ally. I appreciate the maturity he displayed to ensure a smooth transition. The same goes for the former Majority Leader, who has been a stabilizer in the House,” the Speaker said.
Sources within the Assembly revealed that the shake-up was necessary to maintain political balance in the state. Akinruntan hails from Ilaje Local Government Area, the same as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, while the former Majority Leader is from Owo, also the hometown of Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami. The changes, it was gathered, were made to prevent overlapping representation from the same areas among top political positions.
