BREAKING: Ondo Assembly Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader resigns

The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, has resigned from his position, citing the need to uphold the state’s traditional zoning arrangement for elective offices.

Akinruntan, who represents Ilaje Constituency 1 and is the son of the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, tendered his resignation via a letter read during plenary on Monday, June 2, 2025, by the Clerk of the Assembly, Benjamin Jayeiola. He was not present at the sitting.

He had been elected Deputy Speaker in June 2023 and served in that capacity until his resignation.

In his letter, Akinruntan 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, Hon. Ololade Gbegude, representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, was nominated by Hon. Oluwatoyin Japheth (Akoko North East) and seconded by Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa (Okitipupa Constituency 1). With no opposition, Gbegude was sworn in as the new Deputy Speaker and pledged to serve with diligence.

In a similar development, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, also stepped down. He was succeeded by Hon. Olatunji Oshati, representing Ose Constituency.

Additionally, Hon. Muritala Sulaiman (Akoko South East) was named Chief Whip, while Hon. Fabiyi Olatunji (Odigbo Constituency 1) was appointed as Whip of the Assembly.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, praised the outgoing officers for their maturity and peaceful conduct during the transition.

“Hon. Akinruntan has been a peaceful ally and a strong supporter of the House. I appreciate the maturity he showed in ensuring a smooth transition,” Oladiji said.

“The same goes for the former Majority Leader. He has been a stabilizer in the House and a dependable ally.”

Sources within the Assembly disclosed that the leadership shake-up was driven by the need to maintain political balance across the state’s diverse regions.

Akinruntan and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa are both from Ilaje Local Government Area, while former Majority Leader Ogunmolasuyi and Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami are from Owo Local Government Area, prompting the changes to reflect broader geographical representation.