The Ondo State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, (Rt.) Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, has resigned.
Akinruntan’s resignation was read on the floor of the Assembly on Tuesday by the Clerk of the House, Mr Benjamin Jayeiola.
The Deputy Speaker, representing Ilaje Constituency I, cited the need to align with the conventional arrangement of elective positions in the state.
“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,” the letter read.
Akinruntan, son of the Olugbo of Ugbo in Ilaje Local Government Area, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, was immediately replaced by Hon. Ololade Gbegudu from Okitipupa Constituency II, a two-term state lawmaker in the Assembly.
The new Deputy Speaker served as Chairman of the House Committee on Security Matters and Community Development before his appointment.
Daily Trust gathered that the sudden resignation of the Deputy Speaker may not be unconnected with an alleged cold war between Oba Olugbo, who is also the father of Hon Akinruntan, and Governor Aiyedatiwa.
A source had also hinted that there is ongoing politicking in the southern part of the state where both Governor Aiyedatiwa and Akinruntan hail from ahead of the next general election.
Similarly, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, also stepped down from his position, with the lawmaker representing Ose Constituency, Olatunji Oshati, announced as the new Majority Leader.
Also, Muritala Sulaiman, representing Akoko South East, was announced as the new Chief Whip, and Fabiyi Olatunji, Odigbo Constituency I, was the Whip of the Assembly.
The Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, commended the former deputy speaker and the erstwhile majority leader for their maturity on how the transition was carried out smoothly and peacefully.
“The same thing goes for the former majority leader. He has been a stabiliser in the House and also a good and dependable ally,” he said.
