…..As Akinruntan gives reason for Resignation
Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, representing Okitipupa Constituency II, has been elected the new Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly following the resignation of Prince Abayomi Akinruntan from the position.
The change in leadership was announced today during plenary at the Assembly Complex in Akure, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji.
It was gathered that Gbegudu has been seen as a loyal lawmaker from Ondo South by the power bloc around Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, while was learnt that Akinruntan has lost out political calculation in Ilaje.
In the resignation letter read by the Clerk of the House, Mr. Benjamin Jaiyeola, Akinruntan, the former deputy speaker cited the need to honour the principle of power sharing in the state as the reason for stepping down.
Akinruntan, a son of the Olugbo of Ugbo kingdom, expressed gratitude to the leadership and members of the 10th Assembly for the opportunity to serve as Deputy Speaker.
Consequently, the newly appointed Majority Leader, Hon. Olatunji Oshati of Ose Constituency, moved the motion for the nomination; and a lawmaker representing AKoko North East, Hon Oluwatoyin Japhet nominated Gbegudu.
The motion was seconded by Hon. Chris Ayedatiwa, member representing Okitipupa Constituency I.
Prior to this, Speaker Oladiji had formally announced Hon. Olatunji Oshati as the new Majority Leader of the House. His appointment was ratified during a parliamentary meeting of the lawmakers held earlier the same day.
The shake-up in the Assembly leadership comes as part of efforts to maintain political balance in the distribution of key positions among the various zones of the state.
