Ondo Deputy Speaker Steps Down to Respect Political Power Balance

The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Abayomi Akinruntan, has resigned his position to align with the traditional political power-sharing arrangements within the state.

Representing Ilaje Constituency 1 and son of the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, he formally submitted his resignation, which was read aloud by the Assembly Clerk, Benjamin Jayeiola. Although Akinruntan was absent from the plenary session, his letter stated:

“I hereby tender my resignation from the office of the Deputy Speaker effective from today, 2nd June 2025. Recall the House was inaugurated in 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 his resignation, Ololade Gbegude, representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, was nominated by Oluwatoyin Japheth (Akoko North East Constituency) and seconded by Chris Ayebusiwa (Okitipupa Constituency 1) as the new Deputy Speaker. Gbegude’s nomination went uncontested, and he was sworn in, pledging to serve diligently.

Simultaneously, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, the Majority Leader, stepped down, and Olatunji Oshati of Ose Constituency was announced as his successor. Other leadership changes included Muritala Sulaiman (Akoko South East) as Chief Whip and Fabiyi Olatunji (Odigbo Constituency 1) as Whip.

Speaker Olamide Oladiji praised both Akinruntan and Ogunmolasuyi for their maturity and contributions, highlighting their roles in ensuring a peaceful transition. He said, “Akinruntan has been a peaceful ally who supported the House, and I appreciate the maturity displayed for a peaceful transition. The same goes for the former Majority Leader, who has been a stabilizer and dependable ally.”

The leadership reshuffle was seen as necessary to maintain balance in the unwritten political arrangements within Ondo State. Notably, Akinruntan and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa both hail from Ilaje Local Council Area, while Ogunmolasuyi and Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami are from Owo Local Council, reflecting the need to distribute key positions fairly among regions.