Ondo Deputy Speaker Resigns, Majority Leader Also Steps Down

Abayomi Akinruntan, the Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, has stepped down from his position, citing the need to adhere to the traditional political zoning arrangements within the state. Akinruntan, who represents Ilaje Constituency 1 and is the son of the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, submitted his resignation in a letter read aloud by the Clerk of the House, Benjamin Jayeiola, during plenary. The former deputy speaker was absent from the session.

He had been elected to the role in June 2023 and served until his resignation on June 2, 2025. His resignation letter read:
“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 exit, Ololade Gbegude, who represents Okitipupa Constituency 2, was nominated by Oluwatoyin Japheth (Akoko North East) and seconded by Chris Ayebusiwa (Okitipupa Constituency 1). Gbegude was sworn in without opposition and pledged to discharge his duties with diligence.

In a related development, Majority Leader Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi also relinquished his position. He was replaced by Olatunji Oshati, representing Ose Constituency.

Additionally, Muritala Sulaiman (Akoko South East) was appointed as Chief Whip, while Fabiyi Olatunji (Odigbo Constituency 1) became the Assembly's new Whip. Speaker Olamide Oladiji praised the outgoing officers for their dignified handling of the leadership changes. “The same thing goes for the former majority leader. He has been a stabiliser in the House and also a good and dependable ally,” Oladiji noted.

Sources indicated that the reshuffling of principal officers was aimed at respecting the state’s informal power-sharing structure. Both Akinruntan and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa are from Ilaje Local Government Area, while Ogunmolasuyi shares a local government—Owo—with Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami.