By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE DEPUTY Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Abayomi Akinruntan, has resigned from his position following internal political realignments aimed at recalibrating power distribution within the state.
His exit marked a notable shift within the 10th Assembly, coming just months after he was unanimously elected during the chamber’s inauguration.
Akinruntan, who represents Ilaje Constituency 1, formally tendered his resignation during Tuesday’s plenary session presided over by Speaker Olamide Oladiji.
In his brief address to the Assembly, he attributed his decision to evolving political arrangements and thanked colleagues for the confidence reposed in him during his tenure as Deputy Speaker.
His constituency shares geographical roots with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, a factor Assembly insiders said may have influenced the call for broader representation across the state’s power blocs.
His replacement, Ololade Gbegudu of Okitipupa Constituency 2, was immediately nominated by Oluwatoyin James, representing Akoko Northeast Local Government.
Gbegudu, 42, is serving a second term in the House and previously chaired the Committee on Security Matters and Community Development. He pledged commitment to legislative harmony and developmental governance across Ondo State.
The Assembly also witnessed the resignation of Emmanuel Ogunmolasuyi, Majority Leader and representative of Owo Constituency 1. He was succeeded by Olatunji Oshati of Ose Constituency, signalling further efforts at balancing principal offices among major political constituencies.
Though official communications maintained a unified front, developments surrounding the dual resignations sparked speculation among political observers.
Some sources linked the reshuffles to efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to maintain structural equity, while others pointed to tensions between the governor and the former deputy speaker’s influential father, the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom.
Despite the undercurrents, the House moved swiftly to stabilise leadership, with Speaker Oladiji presiding over a smooth transition and pledging continued collaboration with the executive arm.
