Shake-Up In Ondo State Assembly As Deputy Speaker And Majority Leader Resign.
The Ondo State House of Assembly witnessed a significant leadership shake-up on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, as Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan and Majority Leader Emmanuel Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi tendered their resignations from their respective positions. The unexpected moves have sparked widespread speculation about the underlying political dynamics in the state.
Akinruntan, who represents Ilaje Constituency 1 and is the son of the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, cited political power-sharing arrangements within Ondo State as the primary reason for his resignation. In his letter, read on the floor of the Assembly by Clerk Benjamin Jayeiola, Akinruntan expressed gratitude to his colleagues for unanimously electing him as Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly in June 2023. He did not elaborate further on the specifics of his decision but underscored the need to align with established political conventions.
Similarly, Hon. Emmanuel Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, representing Owo Constituency 1, stepped down as Majority Leader. Both lawmakers are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and their resignations have prompted a swift reshuffle in the Assembly’s leadership. Sources suggest the moves may be linked to political considerations, possibly tied to regional power rotation and the dynamics between local government areas, with both Akinruntan and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa hailing from Ilaje, and Ogunmolasuyi from Owo, the home of Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami.
In response to the vacancies, the House moved quickly to appoint replacements. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, was nominated by Oluwatoyin Japheth (Akoko North East Constituency) and seconded by Chris Ayebusiwa (Okitipupa Constituency 1) to become the new Deputy Speaker. Gbegudu, previously Chairman of the House Committee on Security Matters and Community Development, was sworn in promptly and pledged to serve with diligence.
Meanwhile, Hon. Olatunji Oshati from Ose Constituency stepped into the role of Majority Leader, succeeding Ogunmolasuyi. Additional appointments included Hon. Muritala Sulaiman, representing Akoko South East, as the new Chief Whip, and Hon. Fabiyi Olatunji of Odigbo Constituency 1 as the new Whip of the Assembly.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji commended both outgoing leaders for their maturity during the transition, expressing confidence in the new appointees to uphold the Assembly’s responsibilities. “We thank our former Deputy Speaker and Majority Leader for their service and maturity. The House remains committed to delivering good governance for the people of Ondo State,” Oladiji stated during the plenary session in Akure.
The resignations and subsequent appointments have fuelled discussions about the political landscape in Ondo State, with analysts suggesting the changes reflect efforts to balance power and representation ahead of future elections. As the Sunshine State navigates this period of transition, all eyes will be on the Assembly to see how the new leadership shapes its legislative agenda.
