Ondo Assembly Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader Resign Over Zoning Arrangement

The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, has resigned from his position, alongside the Majority Leader, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi.

Sources told Vanguard that the resignations are part of efforts to uphold the state’s unwritten political zoning arrangement. Akinruntan and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa are both from Ilaje Local Government Area, while Ogunmolasuyi hails from Owo, the same local government as Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami.

In his resignation letter, Akinruntan said he stepped down to align with the state’s power-sharing tradition. He was not present during the plenary session where his resignation was announced, while Ogunmolasuyi, who did not publicly state any reason for his exit, was in attendance.

The Clerk of the House, Benjamin Jayeiola, read Akinruntan’s letter, which read in part:

“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 as stipulated in our standing order.

My resignation is borne out of the need to align with the conventional arrangement in power-sharing of elective positions in the state.

I want to appreciate all members and staff for their contributions and support.”

Following Akinruntan’s 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). Gbegude was subsequently sworn in and pledged to serve with diligence and commitment.

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

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, praised the former officers for handling the transition with maturity.

“Akinruntan has been a peaceful ally and has supported the House. I appreciate his maturity in ensuring a smooth transition,” Oladiji said.

“The same goes for Hon. Ogunmolasuyi, who has been a stabilising force in the House and a dependable ally.”