The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr  Abayomi Akinruntan and the Majority Leader, Mr Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, resigned from their positions on Tuesday.

While Akinruntan represents Ilaje Constituency 1, Ogunmolasuyi represents Owo Constituency 1 of the state and both are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The duo announced their resignation on the floor of the House during the plenary on Tuesday, which was presided over by the Speaker, Mr Olamide Oladiji.

Akinruntan said his resignation was due to political power sharing in the state and the need to align with the conventional arrangement of elective positions in the state.

Although the former deputy speaker was absent at the plenary, his resignation letter was read on the floor of the Assembly by the clerk, Mr Benjamin Jaiyeola.

The letter read: “I hereby tender my resignation from the office of the deputy speaker effective from today, 2nd June 2025. Recall the House was inaugurated in June 2023, and I was unanimously elected as deputy speaker by members 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.”

However, the former majority leader, Ogunmolasuyi, was present but did not state the reason for stepping down from his former number three position in the House.

Following the development, the Assembly swiftly made a replacement as a member representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, Mr Ololade Gbegudu, was selected as the new deputy speaker while Mr Olatunji Oshati from Ose State Constituency took the position of the majority leader.

Oladiji commended the former principal officers for their maturity in how the transition was carried out smoothly and peacefully.

The Speaker said, “He (Akinruntan) has been a peaceful ally. He has supported the house. I want to appreciate him for the maturity displayed in ensuring a peaceful transition.

“The same thing goes for the former majority leader. He has been a stabiliser in the House and also a good and dependable ally.”

Also during the plenary, Mr Muritala Sulaiman, representing Akoko South-East Constituency, was announced as the new chief whip, while  Fabiyi Olatunji, who represents Odigbo Constituency 1, was the deputy chief whip of the Assembly.