The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, has resigned from his position, citing the need to adhere to the state’s power-sharing tradition.
Also stepping down is the Majority Leader, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, in what appears to be a coordinated move tied to Ondo State’s unwritten political zoning arrangement.
Afrocover learnt that the development, which unfolded during the House plenary on Monday, has been described as a move to balance political representation across the state’s senatorial districts and local government areas.
Hon. Akinruntan, who represents Ilaje Constituency 1, and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, both hail from Ilaje Local Government Area in the Southern Senatorial District.
Meanwhile, political observers believe this overlap contradicts the conventional zoning formula often applied in sharing top political offices in the state.
In a resignation letter read on the floor of the House by the Clerk, Mr. Benjamin Jayeiola, Akinruntan stated that his decision was to promote equity and unity in governance.
“I hereby tender my resignation from the office of the Deputy Speaker effective from today, 2nd June 2025,” the letter read.
“This decision is borne out of the need to align with the conventional arrangement in power-sharing of elective positions in the state.”
Akinruntan, who was first elected into the Assembly in 2019, said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve and pledged continued commitment to legislative duties.
“It has been a rare privilege to serve under the leadership of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and now, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa,” he added.
“With over 10 years of experience in the House, I remain committed to the service of my constituents and the good people of Ondo State.”
Although Hon. Ogunmolasuyi, who represents Owo Constituency 1 in the Northern Senatorial District, was present at the plenary, he did not publicly disclose his reasons for resigning.
However, it is widely believed that his exit is linked to the fact that both he and the current Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, are from Owo Local Government Area.
In response to the leadership vacuum, the Assembly nominated and confirmed Hon. Ololade Gbegude, representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, as the new Deputy Speaker.
His nomination was moved by Hon. Oluwatoyin Japheth (Akoko North-East) and seconded by Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa (Okitipupa Constituency 1).
After taking the oath of office, Gbegude pledged to uphold the values of the House and serve with dedication.
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“I will ensure that our legislative duties continue without disruption, and I promise to work closely with my colleagues for the progress of our state,” he said.
Other changes announced during the plenary include the appointment of Hon. Muritala Sulaiman (Akoko South-East) as Chief Whip and Hon. Fabiyi Olatunji (Odigbo Constituency 1) as Whip of the House.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, praised the outgoing leaders for their statesmanship and peaceful conduct.
“Hon. Akinruntan has shown political maturity by prioritizing the unity of our state. His leadership will be remembered for peace and cooperation,” the Speaker said.
“We also commend Hon. Ogunmolasuyi, who has remained a stabilizing force within this Assembly.”
