The Deputy Speaker and Majority Leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly have stepped down from their roles to help balance political positions in the state.
During a meeting on Tuesday, Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, the Deputy Speaker, and Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, the Majority Leader, announced their resignations. They explained that this choice was made to adhere to a more conventional method of structuring political positions within the state.
Akinruntan and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa both come from the same area, Ilaje Local Council, while Ogunmolasuyi is from Owo Local Council, which is also the home of Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami.
The resignation letter from Akinruntan, who represents Ilaje Constituency 1 and is the son of Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, was read out loud during the meeting by the Clerk, Benjamin Jayeiola. Akinruntan was not present when this happened. He was elected as Deputy Speaker back in June 2023.
The resignation letter reads: “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.”
In Akinruntan’s place, the lawmaker representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, Ololade Gbegude, was subsequently elected and sworn in as the new Deputy Speaker.
Also following the resignation of the Majority Leader of the Assembly, the lawmaker representing Ose Constituency, Olatunji Oshati, was announced as the new Majority Leader.
Also, Muritala Sulaiman, representing Akoko South East, was announced as the new Chief Whip, and Fabiyi Olatunji, Odigbo Constituency 1, was the Whip of the Assembly.
The Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, commended the former deputy speaker and the erstwhile majority leader for their maturity in how the transition was carried out smoothly and peacefully.
“The same thing goes for the former majority leader. He has been a stabiliser in the House and also a good and dependable ally,” he said.
