The Ondo State House of Assembly witnessed a shake-up in its leadership on Tuesday as the Deputy Speaker, Abayomi Akinruntan, and Majority Leader, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, officially resigned their positions during plenary.
Both lawmakers, who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), announced their decisions on the floor of the House. Akinruntan represents Ilaje Constituency 1, while Ogunmolasuyi represents Owo Constituency 1.
Speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji, presided over the session where the resignations were submitted and acknowledged by the assembly.
In his resignation speech, Akinruntan explained that his decision was influenced by a new political power-sharing arrangement aimed at balancing leadership positions within the state. He did not provide further details, but sources within the Assembly said the move is part of broader internal restructuring within the APC in Ondo State ahead of the 2025 general elections.
Following the resignations, the House immediately moved to fill the vacant positions. Ololade Gbegudu, representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, was named the new Deputy Speaker, while Olatunji Oshati, who represents Ose Constituency, was appointed the new Majority Leader.
The Speaker congratulated the new appointees and urged them to carry out their duties with diligence and a strong sense of responsibility. He also commended the outgoing Deputy Speaker and Majority Leader for their service to the House.
Political analysts see the development as part of ongoing efforts by the ruling party to reposition ahead of future political contests, especially with heightened interest in the 2024 governorship and 2025 general elections in the state.
While the resignations appear voluntary and orderly, they have sparked conversations around internal party negotiations and possible realignment of interests within the House and the wider Ondo political landscape.
Observers say the APC leadership may be working behind the scenes to ensure stability within the Assembly, especially as the state prepares for an intense political season in the coming months.
The Ondo State House of Assembly, which is made up of 26 members, remains dominated by the APC, which holds a comfortable majority.
