Power Shift in Ondo Assembly: Deputy Speaker and Majority Leader Resign Amid Zoning Considerations

Two Principal Officers Resign in Ondo State House of Assembly

In a major development at the Ondo State House of Assembly, two principal officers — Deputy Speaker Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan and Majority Leader Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi — have officially resigned from their respective positions. The announcement, made on June 2, 2025, marks a significant political realignment driven largely by local power-sharing dynamics in the state.

Their resignations come less than two years after the current Assembly was inaugurated in June 2023, and have since triggered a wave of leadership changes within the legislative arm. While both resignations were peaceful and devoid of controversy, political analysts point to zoning conventions and the need to maintain ethnic and regional balance as key factors behind the decisions.

Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa both hail from Ilaje Local Government Area in the southern senatorial district of the state. On the other hand, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi shares his Owo origin with the current Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami.

This overlap in regional representation appears to have prompted the Assembly to revisit the state's informal power-sharing formula, which aims to balance major political offices among the state’s diverse constituencies.

In a formal letter read by the Clerk of the House, Mr. Benjamin Jayeiola, Hon. Akinruntan explained the rationale behind his decision. According to him, the move was aimed at respecting the unwritten but long-standing convention of regional equity within the leadership structure of Ondo State.

“I hereby tender my resignation from the office of the Deputy Speaker effective from today, 2nd June, 2025,” the letter reads.

“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.”

Observers have praised Akinruntan’s gesture as an act of maturity and political stability, given the sensitive nature of regional balance in Ondo politics.

Unlike his colleague, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi did not publicly state any reasons for his resignation as Majority Leader. However, insiders within the Assembly suggest that his exit was part of the same broader restructuring agenda that prompted Akinruntan’s resignation.

Ogunmolasuyi’s tenure as Majority Leader was noted for his active engagement in legislative debates and strong alignment with the executive arm of government. His departure, though quiet, is seen as symbolic of a reshuffling process aimed at reinforcing inclusion.

Following Akinruntan’s resignation, the House moved quickly to fill the vacant position. 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 as Deputy Speaker and pledged to serve with commitment and a sense of purpose.

Similarly, the Assembly announced other changes:

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

These changes were welcomed by House members, and no objections were raised during the process, which observers described as smooth and democratic.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, commended both Akinruntan and Ogunmolasuyi for what he described as “mature and selfless conduct.” He noted that the peaceful nature of the transition sets a strong example for democratic institutions across the country.

“This is how politics should be — guided by conscience, service, and collective interest,” he said.
“Our Assembly remains united and focused on delivering legislative excellence.”

Political observers view the changes as part of strategic positioning stressing that internal balancing within the ruling party political structures is seen as essential for maintaining public confidence and political harmony. Ensuring that no two top officers come from the same local government area, the state avoids internal rivalry and encourages greater inclusion of minority voices within the corridors of power.

The resignation of two top leaders in the Ondo State House of Assembly reflects a strategic shift toward regional balance and political equity. In a country where leadership positions often ignite fierce competition along regional lines, the peaceful and principled nature of this transition is commendable.

As new leaders’ step into their roles, the people of Ondo State will be watching closely — expecting greater representation, legislative focus, and a commitment to the development of all constituencies.