…Oshati takes over as Majority Leader amid power rotation shift

By Precious Oluwole

The Ondo State House of Assembly witnessed a significant leadership shift on Tuesday as Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, member representing Okitipupa constituency ii was elected as Deputy Speaker, replacing Prince Abayomi Akinruntan who voluntarily stepped down to support the state’s power rotation arrangement.

Also, Hon. Olatunji Oshati was appointed as the new Majority Leader, signaling a broader effort to maintain regional equity within the Assembly.

The change in leadership was announced during plenary at the Assembly Complex in Akure, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji.

In a 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 rotation in the state as the reason for stepping down. He 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.

There was also a shake-up among the principal officers of the House. The new Chief Whip is now Hon. Murtala Mohammed, representing Akoko South-East, replacing Babatunde Fasonu from Odigbo Constituency 2.
Also, the new Whip is Hon. Ifabiyi Olatunji from Odigbo Constituency 1, while the new Deputy Parliamentary Secretary is Hon. Allen Oluwatoyin Messiah representing Ese odo,replacing Hon. Ololade Gbegudu who is now the Deputy Speaker.