In a dramatic development at the Ondo State House of Assembly, two top-ranking lawmakers—Deputy Speaker Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan and Majority Leader Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi—have resigned their positions apparently in conformity with the state’s power-sharing rule.
According to reports, the resignations were driven by the need to maintain political balance among Ondo’s various zones and ethnic constituencies.
Akinruntan, who hails from Ilaje Local Government Area—the same as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa—voluntarily stepped down to address concerns over zonal representation.
Likewise, Ogunmolasuyi, from Owo, shares his locality with Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, which reportedly sparked further zoning issues.
In his resignation letter, read aloud by the Clerk of the House, Benjamin Jayeiola, Akinruntan acknowledged that he was stepping down to respect the state’s long-standing, though informal, tradition of geographical balancing within key political offices.
“I hereby tender my resignation from the office of the Deputy Speaker effective from today, 2nd June, 2025,” Akinruntan wrote. “My resignation is borne out of the need to align with the conventional arrangement in power-sharing of elective positions in the state.”
Akinruntan was not present during the plenary session where his resignation was announced. However, Ogunmolasuyi, whose reason for resignation was not publicly disclosed, was in attendance.
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Following the changes, Hon. Ololade Gbegude, who represents Okitipupa Constituency 2, was swiftly nominated by Hon. Oluwatoyin Japheth of Akoko North-East and seconded by Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa of Okitipupa Constituency 1. Gbegude was immediately sworn in as the new Deputy Speaker and pledged a commitment to diligence, transparency, and unity.
Additional leadership changes were also confirmed. Hon. Muritala Sulaiman from Akoko South-East was appointed as the new Chief Whip, while Hon. Fabiyi Olatunji of Odigbo Constituency 1 assumed the position of House Whip.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, praised both outgoing lawmakers for their maturity and peaceful handling of the transitions. “Akinruntan has been a peaceful ally and supported the House throughout. I appreciate his maturity in ensuring a smooth transition,” he said.
He extended similar praise to Ogunmolasuyi, calling him “a stabilising force in the House and a dependable ally.”
The changes mark a significant realignment in Ondo State politics, highlighting the continuing influence of informal zoning agreements in balancing ethnic, regional, and political interests across government structures. Political analysts note that while such arrangements are not codified, they play a critical role in preserving unity and preventing dominance by any single region or ethnic group.
As the new leadership settles into place, observers will be watching closely to see whether the realignment helps foster stronger legislative cooperation and sustained development across the state.
VerityNewsOnline
