The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Abayomi Akinruntan, has resigned from his position, citing the need to align with the state’s conventional power-sharing arrangement.
Akinruntan, who represents Ilaje Constituency 1 and is the son of the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, conveyed his resignation in a letter read on the floor of the House by the Clerk, Benjamin Jayeiola, during plenary on Monday.
The former deputy speaker, who was absent from the sitting, was elected to the position in June 2023.
In the letter dated June 2, 2025, Akinruntan stated: “I hereby tender my resignation from the office of the Deputy Speaker effective from today, 2nd June, 2025. Recall the House was inaugurated 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.”
Following his resignation, Ololade Gbegudu, who represents Okitipupa Constituency 2, was nominated as the new Deputy Speaker. His nomination was moved by Oluwatoyin Japheth (Akoko North East Constituency) and seconded by Chris Ayebusiwa (Okitipupa Constituency 1).
With no opposition to the nomination, Gbegudu was sworn in and pledged to discharge his duties with commitment and diligence.
