The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Abayomi Akinruntan, has officially resigned his position, citing the need to respect the state’s conventional power-sharing arrangement, Okay.ng reports.
Akinruntan, who represents Ilaje Constituency 1 and is the son of Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, stepped down on June 2, 2025. His resignation letter was read during plenary by the Assembly Clerk, Benjamin Jayeiola.
Although absent from the session, Akinruntan noted in his letter that his decision was motivated by a commitment to uphold the informal political zoning structure within Ondo State.
“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 stated.
“I want to appreciate all members and staff for their contributions and support.”
Akinruntan had been elected Deputy Speaker in June 2023, shortly after the inauguration of the current Assembly. His exit paved the way for the emergence of Ololade Gbegudu, representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, as the new Deputy Speaker. Gbegudu’s nomination was made by Oluwatoyin Japheth (Akoko North East Constituency) and seconded by Chris Ayebusiwa (Okitipupa Constituency 1). With no opposition, Gbegudu was swiftly sworn in and pledged to serve with diligence and integrity.
In a related development, Majority Leader Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi also resigned, and was replaced by Olatunji Oshati of Ose Constituency. Further reshuffling saw Muritala Sulaiman (Akoko South East) named as Chief Whip, while Fabiyi Olatunji (Odigbo Constituency 1) became the new Whip of the Assembly.
Speaker Olamide Oladiji praised the outgoing leaders for their statesmanship and peaceful conduct throughout the transition.
“He [Akinruntan] has been a peaceful ally and has supported the House. I want to appreciate him for the maturity displayed for ensuring a peaceful transition,” Oladiji said. “The same goes for the former Majority Leader, who has been a stabilizer in the House and also a good and dependable ally.”
According to Assembly sources, the reshuffle was necessary to correct perceived political imbalance, as both Akinruntan and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa hail from Ilaje Local Council, while the outgoing Majority Leader and the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami, are from Owo Local Government Area.
