The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, has resigned from his position, while the Majority Leader, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, has also stepped down. The changes are said to be part of efforts to reflect the unwritten political zoning arrangement in the state.
Both Akinruntan and the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, hail from Ilaje Local Government Area, while Ogunmolasuyi and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, are from Owo Local Government Area. In his resignation letter, Akinruntan stated that his decision was made to align with the conventional power-sharing practice in Ondo State. He expressed appreciation to the members and staff of the House for their support during his tenure.
While Akinruntan was absent during the plenary session, Ogunmolasuyi attended the sitting but did not provide a public reason for his resignation. The Clerk of the House, Benjamin Jayeiola, read Akinruntan’s resignation letter to members.
Following the resignations, Hon. Ololade Gbegude, representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, was nominated and sworn in as the new Deputy Speaker. He pledged to serve with diligence and commitment. Additional changes saw Hon. Muritala Sulaiman (Akoko South-East) appointed as the new Chief Whip and Hon. Fabiyi Olatunji (Odigbo Constituency 1) named Whip of the House.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, commended both former principal officers for their maturity and peaceful handling of the transition. He described Akinruntan as a peaceful ally and Ogunmolasuyi as a stabilising force and dependable ally in the House. The Speaker explained that the actions were taken to balance political arrangements in the state.
