BREAKING: Ondo State Deputy Speaker Akinruntan Officially Resigns
Published on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 1:47 PM
In a stunning political development, Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Abayomi Akinruntan, has stepped down from his position, triggering a sweeping leadership reshuffle within the Assembly.
Akinruntan—who represents Ilaje Constituency 1 and is the son of the prominent monarch, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan—announced his resignation via a formal letter read at plenary on June 2, 2025, by Assembly Clerk Benjamin Jayeiola.
“I hereby tender my resignation… to align with the conventional arrangement in power sharing of elective positions in the state,” the letter stated, emphasizing his gratitude to colleagues and Assembly staff for their support since his unanimous election in June 2023.
The unexpected resignation led to an immediate replacement: Ololade Gbegude of Okitipupa Constituency 2 was nominated and swiftly confirmed as the new Deputy Speaker without opposition.
But the leadership shake-up didn’t stop there.
Majority Leader Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi also resigned, making way for Olatunji Oshati (Ose Constituency) to assume the influential role. In addition, Muritala Sulaiman (Akoko South East) was appointed Chief Whip, while Fabiyi Olatunji (Odigbo Constituency 1) was named Whip.
Speaker Olamide Oladiji praised both outgoing leaders for their statesmanship and dedication.
“Akinruntan has been a peaceful ally… Ogunmolasuyi, a stabilizer and dependable ally,” he said.
Political observers note the resignations may be linked to power-balancing efforts within the state, especially as Akinruntan and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa both hail from Ilaje LGA, while the former Majority Leader shares an origin with Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami.
The developments signal strategic realignments as Ondo navigates its evolving political terrain.
