Tension In Ondo Politics As Akinruntan Resigns Deputy Speakership Role

The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, has officially resigned from his position, citing the need to adhere to established political zoning arrangements regarding elective offices within the state.

Hon. Akinruntan, who represents Ilaje Constituency 1 and is the son of the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, submitted his resignation through a formal letter. The letter was read aloud at the Assembly’s plenary session by Clerk Benjamin Jayeiola on June 2, 2025.

In his letter, Akinruntan stated:

“I hereby tender my resignation from the office of the Deputy Speaker effective from today, 2nd June, 2025. Recall that the House was inaugurated in June 2023, and I was unanimously elected as Deputy Speaker by members, as provided in our standing orders. My resignation is borne out of the need to align with the conventional power-sharing arrangements for elective positions in the state. I 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) as Akinruntan’s replacement. The nomination was unopposed, and Gbegude was immediately sworn in, pledging dedication and diligence in his new role.

In a related leadership shake-up, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, also resigned. He was succeeded by Hon. Olatunji Oshati, who represents Ose Constituency.

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

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, commended the outgoing Deputy Speaker and Majority Leader for the maturity they exhibited during the transition process.

“Hon. Akinruntan has been a peaceful and dependable ally. His support to the House has been commendable. I also appreciate the former Majority Leader, who has played a stabilizing role in the Assembly,” Oladiji stated.

It is noteworthy that both Akinruntan and the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, hail from Ilaje Local Government Area, while the outgoing Majority Leader, Ogunmolasuyi, is from Owo Local Government, the home of Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami.