Ondo Assembly Deputy Speaker And Majority Leader Resign

The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Abayomi Akinruntan, and the Majority Leader, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, resigned from their respective positions on Tuesday.

In his resignation letter, Abayomi Akinruntan explained that he stepped down to respect the informal power-sharing agreement that guides political appointments in the state.

Akinruntan, who is the son of the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Frederick Akinruntan, was not present at the House plenary when his letter was read by the Clerk, Benjamin Jayeiola.

In the letter, he noted that although he had been unanimously elected in June 2023, he believed stepping down was necessary to reflect the state’s political balance.

The resignation letter read, “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.”

Shortly after, the House elected Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, representing Okitipupa Constituency II, as the new Deputy Speaker.

His nomination came from Oluwatoyin Japheth of Akoko North East and was seconded by Chris Ayebusiwa from Okitipupa Constituency I.

Gbegudu was immediately sworn in and pledged to serve the state responsibly.

Similarly, the House Majority Leader, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, also resigned, making way for Hon. Olatunji Oshati, who represents Ose Constituency, to take over the role.

Further changes were made to other leadership positions: Muritala Sulaiman (Akoko South East) was named Chief Whip, and Fabiyi Olatunji (Odigbo Constituency I) became the new Whip.

House Speaker Olamide Oladiji praised both the former Deputy Speaker and Majority Leader for their calm and respectful handling of the leadership transition.

He described Akinruntan as a loyal supporter of the Assembly and commended Ogunmolasuyi for being a steadying force.

According to a source within the Assembly, these changes were necessary to ensure fair representation across the state’s various local councils.

Both Akinruntan and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa are from Ilaje Local Government Area, while the former Majority Leader and the current Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami, are from Owo Local Government.

The reshuffling aims to reflect a better political balance in leadership roles.

KanyiDaily had also reported how the Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Kunle Oluomo, was impeached.