Breaking: Ondo Assembly Shaken as Deputy Speaker Akinruntan Resigns

Abayomi Akinruntan, who serves as Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, has resigned from his position, stating the need to conform with the established political arrangements for elections in the state.
On June 2, 2025, Akinruntan, son of Oba Fredrick Akinruntan (Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom) and representative of Ilaje Constituency 1, announced his resignation via a letter that the Assembly Clerk, Benjamin Jayeiola, read at the plenary.
Akinruntan stated in his resignation letter: “I hereby tender my resignation from the office of the Deputy Speaker effective from today, 2nd June, 2025. Remember that the House was inaugurated in June 2023, during which I was unanimously elected Deputy Speaker by the members as our standing order requires. My resignation stems from the necessity to conform to the traditional power-sharing arrangement for elected positions in the state. I want to express my gratitude to all members and staff for their contributions and support.

After Akinruntan stepped down, Oluwatoyin Japheth (from the Akoko North East Constituency) nominated Ololade Gbegude, who represents Okitipupa Constituency 2, to take over as the new Deputy Speaker, with Chris Ayebusiwa (Okitipupa Constituency 1) seconding the nomination. Gbegude was swiftly sworn in after receiving the uncontested nomination, committing to fulfill his new responsibilities diligently.

In another important development, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, also resigned from his role. The new Majority Leader is Olatunji Oshati, the legislator for Ose Constituency.

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Additionally, Muritala Sulaiman from Akoko South East was designated as the new Chief Whip, and Fabiyi Olatunji of Odigbo Constituency 1 was appointed as the Assembly’s new Whip.

Olamide Oladiji, the Speaker of the House, praised the outgoing Deputy Speaker and the Majority Leader for their maturity during the leadership transition.

He stated, “Akinruntan has been a peaceful ally. He has backed the House. I want to commend him for the maturity he showed in guaranteeing a peaceful transition. The same applies to the previous Majority Leader. He has served as a stabilizing force in the House and has also been a reliable and effective ally.

It was understood that Akinruntan and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa both originate from the Ilaje Local Government Area, while former Majority Leader Ogunmolasuyi is from Owo Local Government Area, which is also the home of Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami.