Akure, Nigeria – The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Abayomi Akinruntan, has resigned his position, citing the need to uphold the conventional zoning arrangement for elective offices in the state.
Akinruntan, who represents Ilaje Constituency 1 and is the son of the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, announced his resignation through a letter read on the floor of the Assembly by the Clerk, Benjamin Jayeiola, during plenary on Monday. He was absent at the session.
In his letter, Akinruntan wrote: “I hereby tender my resignation from the office of the Deputy Speaker effective from today, 2nd June, 2025… My resignation is borne out of the need to align with the conventional arrangement in power sharing of elective positions in the state.”
He was elected deputy speaker in June 2023.
Following his exit, Ololade Gbegude, representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, was nominated by Oluwatoyin Japheth (Akoko North East) and seconded by Chris Ayebusiwa (Okitipupa Constituency 1). Gbegude was sworn in unopposed and pledged to serve with diligence.
The Assembly also saw other key changes. Majority Leader Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi stepped down, making way for Olatunji Oshati of Ose Constituency. Muritala Sulaiman (Akoko South East) became the new Chief Whip, while Fabiyi Olatunji (Odigbo Constituency 1) was named Whip.
Speaker Olamide Oladiji commended the outgoing officers for their maturity and for ensuring a smooth transition, describing Ogunmolasuyi as “a stabiliser and dependable ally.”
The reshuffle is reportedly aimed at maintaining political balance across the state. Both Akinruntan and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa hail from Ilaje Local Government Area, while Ogunmolasuyi and Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami are from Owo.
