A wave of political realignment swept through the Ondo State House of Assembly on Tuesday as two high-ranking lawmakers resigned from their leadership positions during plenary.
The Deputy Speaker, Mr Abayomi Akinruntan, who represents Ilaje Constituency 1, and the Majority Leader, Mr Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, representing Owo Constituency 1, both members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), announced their resignations on the floor of the House.
Presiding over the session, Speaker Mr Olamide Oladiji confirmed the receipt of their letters and formally announced their exits from the positions.
In a brief remark, Akinruntan disclosed that his decision was based on internal party decisions and political power-sharing arrangements within the state. “In the spirit of equity and to maintain stability within our great party, I have decided to step aside,” he said during plenary.
Although Ogunmolasuyi did not state his reasons in detail during the session, sources within the Assembly hinted that the moves were part of a broader consensus to redistribute leadership positions among constituencies in preparation for upcoming political activities.
Following the resignations, Mr Ololade Gbegudu, who represents Okitipupa Constituency 2, was immediately named the new Deputy Speaker. In a similar vein, Mr Olatunji Oshati, from Ose State Constituency, was announced as the new Majority Leader of the House.
The swift replacement of the outgoing leaders underscores the Assembly’s desire to maintain continuity and balance within its ranks. Speaker Oladiji described the transition as peaceful and in accordance with legislative norms.
“This House will continue to operate as a united body. We respect the decisions of our colleagues and are committed to working collectively for the progress of Ondo State,” Oladiji affirmed.
